By Siti Sarah Sofea
Photo from The Noah Critter’s Show with Sofia Vergara
Saying "You don't have an accent" is the same as saying "each of us is unique." If everyone is unique, then wouldn't that make everyone the same and not unique because the quality of uniqueness now becomes a common feature for everyone? So paradoxical.
"I don't understand," you might think.
Exactly. The contradiction is so confusing. The same line of thought can be applied to the usual claim of "not having any accent." The phrase is used when one is able to speak the standard form or variety of a language, but how can someone who speaks the standard variety of a language not have an accent when the standard variety itself is an accent?
What's an accent, and what's not? What's the standard and what's not?
We must first understand the definition of these concepts. Accent refers to the pronunciation aspect of language variation, which is used to express and reflect geographical or social factors. For example, someone from Australia may use pronunciation features that are mainly used by fellow Australians; someone of a younger age may use vocal fry in their conversation; and someone of an educated or upper-class background may articulate words clearly and precisely, making them perceived as ‘posh and refined’. This shows that (surprise, surprise) everyone has an accent.
Standard accent, on the other hand, refers to the form or variety of a language that is often associated by contexts and speakers in relation to formality, public and prestige. In other words, a standard accent is the accent that is widely recognised and spoken in formal contexts and is perceived as the “correct”, “normal” and “prestigious” accent. One who speaks the standard accent is claimed to have no accent, as they lack the regional or social pronunciation features that are deemed deviated or unprestigious.
Such misconceptions of the accent concept are usually perpetrated and perpetuated by the speakers of the dominant or prestigious variety of a language. Pssst, you might not know this, but "norms" are socially constructed, so the "standard accent" is really just something ‘decided’ by those people who think the variety that they speak is the "correct" one.
Not speaking the standard variety does not mean that one is inferior or should not be taken seriously in society. The diversity of languages is something that we should appreciate and celebrate. This, however, does not mean that one does not have to try and master the standard variety, as there are various factors such as communication, opportunity, and social integration that one should consider.
Next time someone tells you that you don't have an accent or that it is better for you to not have any accent, don't start an argument and blame me for the war of words. Always remember to acknowledge that each of us has an accent and try to strike up a positive discussion instead of what they think an accent is. The more linguistic misconceptions are explained, the more we can appreciate the beauty of language.
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