Comments on: Accent reduction….redux http://cac.ophony.org/2009/11/04/accent-reduction-redux/ Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:25:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 hourly 1 By: Brian http://cac.ophony.org/2009/11/04/accent-reduction-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-40081 Brian Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:41:51 +0000 http://cac.ophony.org/?p=2751#comment-40081 This is truly sad. People should realize that accent reduction should be considered important only if it is inhibiting a person's ability to communicate. Otherwise they should be proud of that unique characteristic. If communication is not an issue, I urge people everywhere to keep their accent. In answer to the final question of whether an accent could keep people from getting a job, we should hope that it doesn't. If a person does believe their accent kept them from getting a job, or a promotion, perhaps they should be speaking with a qualified lawyer. This is truly sad. People should realize that accent reduction should be considered important only if it is inhibiting a person’s ability to communicate. Otherwise they should be proud of that unique characteristic. If communication is not an issue, I urge people everywhere to keep their accent. In answer to the final question of whether an accent could keep people from getting a job, we should hope that it doesn’t. If a person does believe their accent kept them from getting a job, or a promotion, perhaps they should be speaking with a qualified lawyer.

]]> By: American and World English, or Redux of a Redux at cac.ophony.org http://cac.ophony.org/2009/11/04/accent-reduction-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-39623 American and World English, or Redux of a Redux at cac.ophony.org Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:50:58 +0000 http://cac.ophony.org/?p=2751#comment-39623 [...] Accent reduction….redux [...] [...] Accent reduction….redux [...]

]]> By: Hillary http://cac.ophony.org/2009/11/04/accent-reduction-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-39550 Hillary Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:00:35 +0000 http://cac.ophony.org/?p=2751#comment-39550 I agree: their concern is valid, as much as we'd hope that it's the ability to effectively communicate ideas-- with or without an accent-- that will help them to get a job. I've had an interesting experience this semester related to this question. Working with accounting classes, I've been told on a number of occasions that accent reduction isn't a goal for some students, precisely because English isn't necessarily the language that they do business in during their day jobs. Many of them work at jobs that hired them and retain them for their native language skills. They work in that language, they present in that language, and they understand the field in that language. I agree: their concern is valid, as much as we’d hope that it’s the ability to effectively communicate ideas– with or without an accent– that will help them to get a job.

I’ve had an interesting experience this semester related to this question. Working with accounting classes, I’ve been told on a number of occasions that accent reduction isn’t a goal for some students, precisely because English isn’t necessarily the language that they do business in during their day jobs. Many of them work at jobs that hired them and retain them for their native language skills. They work in that language, they present in that language, and they understand the field in that language.

]]> By: Szidonia http://cac.ophony.org/2009/11/04/accent-reduction-redux/comment-page-1/#comment-39549 Szidonia Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:55:05 +0000 http://cac.ophony.org/?p=2751#comment-39549 I agree: we should further reassure our students that this is a globalized and globalizing world, and that accent should not decrease their chance to succeed. However, their concern is valid, and more provincial attitudes still abound. I tell my students about my own initial insecurities about my accent and how they will outgrow them with time. They always appreciate the personal note. I agree: we should further reassure our students that this is a globalized and globalizing world, and that accent should not decrease their chance to succeed. However, their concern is valid, and more provincial attitudes still abound. I tell my students about my own initial insecurities about my accent and how they will outgrow them with time. They always appreciate the personal note.

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