How should we speak? Accent Bias and Linguistic Discrimination. The Friday Morning Break with John Gibbs

Teachers Talk Radio

This episode explores the intricate relationship between language and social identity. John Gibbs and Dr Christian Ilbury, from Edinburgh University, discuss how accents can signal various aspects of identity, including region, class, and even competence. Christian challenges the notion of a 'standard' language, advocating for the appreciation of linguistic diversity. He highlights the ongoing issues of accent bias and linguistic discrimination, particularly in educational and professional settings. The discussion also touches on the importance of oracy in education, the influence of social media on youth language, and the need for teachers to adapt to changing linguistic landscapes. Ultimately, the conclusion emphasizes the importance of embracing one's linguistic identity and dismantling prejudices associated with language use.