Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers. What your accent says about you (and your identity), with Rob Drummond
Jun 19, 2025
Rob Drummond, a sociolinguist from Manchester Metropolitan University and author of "You're All Talk," dives deep into the fascinating world of accents. He discusses how accents not only shape our identities but also influence perceptions across social classes. The conversation touches on the Accent Van project, capturing diverse voices from Greater Manchester, and explores the challenges of bias in accent research. Drummond also highlights issues like code-switching and linguistic discrimination, revealing the powerful impact of speech on opportunities and societal interactions.
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Accent Pride Amid Prejudice
- People show strong local and regional pride in their accents despite facing prejudice, especially northern English speakers.
- Many resist changing their accent even under social pressure, valuing it as part of their identity.
Class Shapes Accent Bias
- In Britain, attitudes about accents are deeply tied to social class and historic hierarchies.
- Accent biases form early and persist despite having no linguistic basis for superiority.
Migrant Accent and Class Mismatch
- Rob studied Polish migrants in Manchester to see if they adopted local accents based on their social situation.
- A former editor working a night security job highlighted mismatch of social class and accent expectations.
