Accents -- Where and Why?: Kathryn Campbell-Kibler at TEDxOhioStateUniversity

Summary

In this talk, the speaker explores the concept of accents, particularly focusing on how different regions in the U.S. are perceived linguistically. They discuss how accents are tied to identity, education, and social status, with a focus on Ohio's dialect and the role of media in shaping American Standard English. The speaker examines how regions like Columbus and Cleveland are viewed in terms of linguistic security, and how debates over what constitutes a 'correct' accent reflect broader societal values. Ultimately, the talk invites the audience to consider how accents shape perceptions of people and the power dynamics behind language standards.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of accents is highly subjective, and people often debate who has an accent and who doesn't.
• 😀 In the U.S., accents can both ground individuals in their regional identity and be seen as less prestigious or 'educated' compared to speech perceived as neutral.
• 😀 Some people, like a man from Dayton, Ohio, believe that speaking like 'God' (i.e., a clear, neutral accent) is the ideal.
• 😀 Linguistic security refers to the confidence people have in their speech, believing it to be 'correct.' This is prevalent in areas like Ohio, where people are seen as speaking 'proper' English.
• 😀 The idea of 'Standard American English' was consciously shaped by newscasters and media in the early 20th century, especially with the rise of radio broadcasts.
• 😀 Newscasters in the U.S. were trained to sound neutral, which led to the creation of a national 'standard' accent. This accent was deliberately shaped and chosen to sound clear and trustworthy across the country.
• 😀 The Midwest, particularly Ohio, was selected as the basis for Standard American English due to its perceived neutrality and 'purity' from immigrant influence, particularly during periods of heightened fear of Eastern European immigration.
• 😀 In the past, accents were regional, and if someone wanted to sound 'educated' or 'refined,' they would mimic the speech patterns of the upper class in their region, whether that was New York or Ohio.
• 😀 Today, Ohioans, especially in Central Ohio, are seen as speaking with a clear and neutral accent, often thought of as 'standard.' However, there are still regional variations within the state.
• 😀 Linguistic perceptions can vary significantly even within Ohio. For example, Clevelanders may have a different perception of their accent than Central Ohioans, with some believing that the 'Midwestern' sound is more acceptable or 'normal.'
• 😀 The conversation around accents isn't just about speech patterns; it's also about social identity and class. The judgments people make about accents shape how individuals are perceived and the social meanings attached to different ways of speaking.
• 😀 Ultimately, the idea of who 'has an accent' is still in flux, and individuals play a role in shaping this conversation, especially by challenging or affirming stereotypes about how people from different regions speak.

Q & A

What is the main idea the speaker is trying to convey about accents?

The main idea is that accents are not just about pronunciation but are tied to identity, power, and cultural perceptions. Accents are seen differently depending on where you are, and judgments about accents often reflect social biases rather than linguistic correctness.

How does the speaker define 'linguistic security'?

Linguistic security refers to the confidence people have that their way of speaking is the 'correct' or 'standard' way to speak. In regions like Ohio, people often feel that their speech is clear, neutral, and universally understood.

Why did Ohio become associated with 'standard' American speech?

Ohio became associated with 'standard' American speech due to the social and historical context of the early 20th century, particularly the rise of radio and the desire to create a neutral, non-regional accent for nationwide broadcasts. At the time, there was also anxiety about immigration, and Midwestern accents were seen as more 'pure' compared to those of the East Coast.

What role did newscasters play in shaping the 'standard' accent?

Newscasters were trained to speak with the 'neutral' Midwest accent, which was seen as clear and trustworthy. This was part of an effort to create a standardized, nationwide voice that could unify the country, especially during a time of cultural and linguistic shifts.

How does the speaker compare regional English in England and France to American English?

In England and France, the 'standard' language became associated with the speech of the ruling class, such as the monarch or political elite. In contrast, the creation of a standard American English was influenced by different factors, including the desire to avoid foreign influence and to present a unified, 'neutral' American voice.

What is the significance of the accent differences within Ohio?

Ohio has a linguistic boundary running through the state, with distinct speech patterns in the northern and southern parts. The speaker illustrates this by comparing the way people from Columbus and Cleveland pronounce words like 'class.' This evolving regional diversity shows that even within the same state, accents can differ significantly.

What does the term 'class' illustrate about accent differences?

'Class' is used to highlight the subtle vowel changes between different Ohio regions. In Columbus, people may pronounce it as 'class' with a shorter vowel sound, while in Cleveland, it might sound more like 'clahss' with a longer, more nasal vowel. These differences showcase regional speech variation even in neighboring areas.

How does the speaker describe the perceptions of Ohioans about their accents?

Many Ohioans believe they speak clearly and without a strong accent, especially in the central part of the state. However, perceptions differ, with some recognizing distinct regional speech patterns, especially in northern Ohio, and others denying any real difference.

What is the speaker's stance on the value of accents?

The speaker believes that accents should be celebrated rather than viewed negatively. They argue that the choice between sounding 'educated' and sounding like where you're from shouldn't be necessary. Accents are part of individual identity and cultural expression, and they shouldn't be stigmatized.

What does the speaker suggest about the future of accents in Ohio?

The speaker suggests that the conversation about accents in Ohio is still evolving. While central Ohio may continue to be seen as the model for 'neutral' speech, there is growing recognition of the regional differences within the state. The future of Ohio's accent could involve greater acceptance of these diverse speech patterns.