Why do some accents sound better than others?
Friendly regionals or smart standards – everyone has their own opinion.
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Articles on Accents
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The sound of inclusion: Why teachers’ words matter
In English and science alike, every student and teacher brings his or her own language patterns to class. But how can educators make sure that language bias doesn't harm student achievement?
Gogglebox and what it tells us about English in Australia
Cult TV show Gogglebox is more than light entertainment: it shows the diverse reality of Australian English, going beyond stereotypes about what Australians sound like.
Why so many singers sound American – but British grime artists are bucking the trend
When British singers step up to the microphone many adopt an American accent. Grime is the exception.
Leave off, will you? Britain should celebrate ‘regional’ accents
Shadow education minister Angela Rayner has received abuse for the way she speaks, just as polticians are accused of failing to represent the people.
Was Neil Armstrong misquoted? Study suggests his accent could’ve been to blame
New research has found that Neil Armstrong's strong midwestern accent is making it impossible for us to work out what he actually said when he first set foot on the moon.
The Bard didn’t use Warwickshire dialect – so was he really Shakespeare?
Shakespeare’s use of dialect is a key argument used by those who stand by the traditional author. But these so-called “Warwickshire dialect” words are nothing of the sort.
Is the Glasgow accent being levelled out by London? Dinnae be daft
During the 20th century, English accents began to pick up traits from the capital. In the west of Scotland, though, something different has been going on.
What will the English language be like in 100 years?
The future is one of multiple Englishes.
The Aussie accent is drink-related? That’s just a hangover from our cultural cringe
The idea that the Australian accent may be the product of drunkenness in early European settlers is wildly speculative. And yet it has gained international attention in the past week. Why?
How outdated stereotypes about British accents reinforce the class ceiling
Recruiters at top firms have been found to favour posher candidates. But research shows Yorkshire accents are perceived as the most intelligent.
Posh accents, discrimination and employment in Australia
Within Australia, there has historically been a clear social distinction between Cultivated (British-oriented) and Broad or General, distinctly Australian ways of speaking.
Learning to speak English? Making yourself understood isn’t all about the accent
Being able to communicate effectively in a foreign language is a challenge faced by many of us. If you’re a newcomer to a country, conveying a message in a language that is not your mother tongue is often…
Top contributors
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Lecturer in Linguistics, Monash University
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Senior Lecturer in Linguistics, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Postdoctoral Fellow (Linguistics), The University of Queensland
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Lecturer in Creative and Life Writing, Goldsmiths, University of London
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Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics & TESOL, UCL
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Assistant Professor of English, School of Commerce, Waseda University
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Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics, Department of Education, Concordia University
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PhD Student, Michigan State University
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Visiting Professor in Psychology, The University of South Wales
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Professor of English Language and Literature, University of Oxford
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Professor of English Language, University of Glasgow
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Professor of Computing, Head of School (Medway), University of Kent
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Lecturer in Linguistics, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Associate Professor of Language, Literacy, and Culture, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
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Associate Professor of Education, English, and Linguistics, College of William & Mary
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