What is accentism?

Accentism refers to discrimination or prejudice based on a person's accent or dialect of (in our context) English. It occurs when individuals are judged, stereotyped, or treated unfairly because of the way they speak or the specific accent they have. Accentism can manifest in various forms, including social exclusion, mockery, ridicule, or even denial of opportunities in employment, education, or other areas.

Similar to other forms of discrimination, accentism perpetuates unfair biases and can lead to unequal treatment and limited opportunities for individuals with non-standard or non-prestigious accents. It is important to note that accentism is distinct from linguistic diversity or simply noticing differences in accents. Accentism involves unfair treatment and discrimination based on accents, rather than appreciating or respecting linguistic variation.

Efforts to combat accentism involve promoting awareness, education, and fostering inclusivity by valuing linguistic diversity. Encouraging respect for different accents and challenging stereotypes can help create a more inclusive society that values individuals based on their abilities, skills, and contributions, rather than their manner of speech.