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      Does the way you speak english define your class | English Language | Discussion Jump to content
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      Posted

      I have always suffered the adverse effects of being judged by how my english sounds. People always seem to think that because of my accent i am extremely wealthy. Does this happen to others out there

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        Posted

        In Vancouver it is more definitive of race than anything. People with no accents are assumed to have been born here, while people with accents are most certainly learning it as a second language. I've never heard of it being a determining factor for class.

        Posted

        Race/appearances typically matter more than your accent. Even if you speak in a sophisticated or overly posh way, it won't make people think of you any higher, if anything it sounds somewhat pretentious.

        Posted

        Well I suppose it does, when people stereotype. I am from the south so I speak posh, but it's not like I'm rich. People always just make assumptions, and they shouldn't, nor should they care about someone's class, but people always will make those judgements. I don't particularly think it represents class, it just represents the area in which people live in, like what city or countryside

        Posted

        I wouldn't say it defines your class, but it probably helps in the perception of it. The human mind seeks patterns where it can in the same way we see pictures of Jesus on burnt toast. I wouldn't put too much weight on it.

        Posted

        I would think appearing as wealthy is less detrimental than appearing as poor.  In the States it would be more of an "other" problem.  In this way we identify as "Americans" and "Others" so if you don't speak in a recognized American accent, you are an "Other."  Now that class can be subdivided into several strata as well, such as desirable immigrants (Europeans primarily) and "undesirable" ones (Hispanic primarily). 

        NOTE: these are not my views, but views I have observed through interactions with others.

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