We stigmatize accents, but language belongs to everyone

Summary

In this segment, author Hernan Diaz discusses 'accent profiling' and how accents are often unfairly stigmatized, even among native speakers of the same language. Drawing from his own experience of living in multiple countries and speaking several languages, Diaz questions the need for accent reduction and highlights how language is a shared space where mutual comprehension transcends differences. He emphasizes that accents reflect cultural diversity and that the presence of accents proves the inclusiveness and hospitality of language.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Hernan Diaz is the associate director of the Hispanic Institute at Columbia University and a Pulitzer Prize nominee for his first novel.
• 📢 Diaz raises the issue of accent profiling, a lesser-known but impactful form of discrimination.
• 🌍 Having lived in Argentina, Sweden, and the U.S., Diaz has a foreign accent in every language he speaks, representing his multicultural background.
• 🚖 His Argentine accent leads to confusion even in Buenos Aires, highlighting the fluid nature of identity through language.
• 📚 Diaz challenges the idea of needing to 'correct' his accent, questioning what a 'native speaker' truly means.
• 🔍 He discovered that accent-reduction courses are not just for immigrants, but even target regional accents like New York, suggesting widespread accent stigmatization.
• 🗣️ Accent discrimination, Diaz argues, is rooted in geography, class, and race, and reflects stereotypes and social barriers.
• 🎭 Many people, including actors and writers, adapt their accents to fit certain social expectations or avoid discrimination.
• 🗣️ Diaz believes that accents are echoes of one language in another and represent the beauty of diversity in language.
• 🌐 He concludes that language belongs to everyone, emphasizing that accents prove the inherent hospitality and inclusivity in human communication.

Q & A

What is the central theme of Hernan Diaz's commentary?

The central theme of Hernan Diaz's commentary is accent profiling and discrimination, highlighting how accents can be stigmatized and used as a tool for exclusion, even among native speakers of the same language.

What personal experiences does Hernan Diaz share in his commentary?

Hernan Diaz shares his personal experiences of having accents in multiple languages, including Spanish, Swedish, and English, and how those accents have caused others to question his identity or place of origin.

Why does Hernan Diaz question the need for accent reduction or elimination?

Hernan Diaz questions the need for accent reduction or elimination because he believes accents are a natural part of language diversity. He argues that there is no 'correct' way to speak a language and asks why one should aspire to sound like a so-called native speaker.

What examples does Hernan Diaz provide to illustrate accent discrimination?

Diaz provides examples such as flyers advertising accent-reduction classes for not just immigrants, but even native speakers with regional accents, like those from New York. He also mentions how actors or writers might try to adopt accents that align with stereotypes of prestige or social status.

How does Hernan Diaz define an accent in his commentary?

Diaz defines an accent as the 'echo of one language or tone in another,' implying that accents reflect a mix of linguistic influences and personal history.

What is Hernan Diaz’s stance on language and its ownership?

Hernan Diaz believes that language doesn’t belong to anyone, not even its native speakers. He sees language as a shared space where everyone contributes toward mutual understanding, regardless of their accent.

What role does place play in accent discrimination according to Diaz?

Diaz argues that accent discrimination is ultimately about place – determining who belongs and who doesn't. Accents can mark someone as an outsider, reinforcing social boundaries based on geography, class, or race.

Why does Hernan Diaz enjoy the presence of accents in language?

Diaz enjoys accents because he sees them as 'ghostly presences of something strange in a familiar environment,' reflecting the diverse linguistic backgrounds of individuals and showing the inclusivity and adaptability of language.

What does Diaz believe is the most conclusive proof of language’s hospitality?

Diaz believes the fact that people can still understand each other despite accents is the most conclusive proof of the hospitality inherent in every language, showcasing its ability to bridge differences.

What societal stereotypes are connected to accents according to the commentary?

According to Diaz, accents are often linked to stereotypes determined by geography, class, and race. These stereotypes create stigmas, leading people to either embrace or reject certain accents to fit social expectations.