New York College Learning Skills Association

RTDE Issue Contents

Research and Teaching
in Developmental Education

Volume 20, Issue 2, Spring 2004

Focus on Accent: A Sociolinguistic Perspective of Diversity in the Classroom

By Susan J. Behrens, Marymount Manhattan College, New York, and Amy Rakowsky Neeman, Johnson and Wales University, Rhode Island

Abstract

Past studies have shown that language differences, in accent and grammar, found in both native and foreign language speakers, elicit reactions in listeners that transfer over to judgments about the speakers’ personalities. The current study examines such sociolinguistic responses in the setting of a college classroom. We conclude that an increased awareness on both the part of the instructors and students, and an examination of biases and preconceived ideas of accents, will result in more efficient teaching and learning.