'I didn't speak the Queen's English': Why people worry about their accents
Summary
A recent survey in Britain shows many people feel worried or uncomfortable about their accents at work. Some believe their accents have held them back from getting promotions or pay rises, and some even change how they speak to sound more professional.Key Facts
- 1 in 10 people in Britain feel anxious about their accent in important work situations like meetings.
- People with Geordie (Newcastle area) and Cockney (east London) accents feel the most anxiety about their speech at 19%.
- About 5% think their accent cost them a job promotion or higher salary, with people from Birmingham feeling this the most (13%).
- People with West Country accents report being mocked for their accent by coworkers more than others (15%).
- Some people change their accent to fit in better at work, with 13% of those surveyed admitting to doing this.
- Foreign accents also cause difficulties; for example, a young man from the Czech Republic says his accent makes job hunting harder.
- Organizations like Common Ground are working to support people who may face barriers at work due to their background or accent.
- Despite challenges, some people are proud of their accent and wish others would judge them based on who they are, not how they speak.
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