UK class prejudice and regional accents...?

Question

does education and hence the better vocabulary/eloquence of aspeaker of a commonly percieved 'low-class' accent change perceptions on that person's status?

Class, status, rank etc are not merely a UK phenomenon- certainly it isn't the best- but it is an entrenched human value system, we humans are very imperfect, our prehistoric pecking order has been retained duiring our evolution and we're often rather petty.

Wwe can see many clear examples in Asia- probably Japan provides a very close analogue to UK with siilmar social stratification and similar perceptions of rank, status, clas based on regionalism, etc.

What are your views? regarding regional accents vs education etc?

Answer 1

It seems that English is not Peter O's first language.

Answer 2

i think it depends on where in the country you are.

i'm from the north east and have quite a strong accent, and in london people always seem to assume that northern/scottish equals stupid.  even when you're in a high level job that requires a decent level of education and experience.

which has it's advantages to be honest, because people underestimate you.

Answer 3

In modern colleges and schools, I have found it works the other way round! I speak in an accent deemed "posh" by classmates, through no fault of my own, I have tried to change it a thousand times, and was badly bullied because of it when I was younger, and less likely to deliver a smack in the face to those who irked me. I did not have a single lesson without someone imitating my voice, usualy, when I was asked a question-"yaaah, I doon't knooow. Whaaat?  yaaaaah."( said very slowley, in a "posh" manner.)

Answer 4

I think it's so silly the way people can immediately judge someone by their accent.

I'm from Liverpool & it happens a lot to Liverpudlians, just because of the way we sound.

It's not about HOW your voice sounds, it's about how you express yourself & your vocabulary, isn't it?

Answer 5

As soon as a person speaks another classifies them.

We are all having to get used to the fact that no matter how a person speaks we must look at their ability to do the job whatever it is.

Answer 6

I also have a "north east" dialect and many seem to assume I'm a moron. I'm a member of Mensa and find this hilarious.

Although proud of my roots I do tone it down at work and in social situations where I am meeting new people. Firstly this can make communication easier if they find the dialect difficult to understand, and secondly this can help with preconceived misconceptions.

Answer 7

that's was the old Britain.not the new Britain were in some placers.English is the second language.

Answer 8

I DUNO . CNT B ASKED TO READ. LEMI GET MY 2 POINTS. lol sorry. i havent had any sleep tonight

Answer 9

I believe it greatly depends on the other facets of the person that can be judged for class. Accents are less of a factor (excluding upper/lower class) since different UK accents are now more accepted. This usually has nothing to do with education since you can have an upper-class person who is poorly educated as well as having a lower-class person who happens to be brilliant.

Answer 10

yes I think it helps raise you up a few notches although perception of class is in the gift of the beholder so its in the lap of the gods really.

I think that the welcoming of regional acccents by the BBC rather than the official received pronunciation helped a lot.

But I do know professors who are still seen as 'oiks' especially women.