Foreign Accented-Speech and Perceptions of Confidence and Intelligence.

Area of Science:

• Sociolinguistics
• Psycholinguistics
• Language Perception Studies

Background:

• Listener perceptions of accented speech can be influenced by various factors.
• Understanding these perceptions is crucial for social equity and effective communication.
• Previous research indicates biases against non-native English speakers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how listeners perceive the confidence and intelligence of speakers with varying English accent strengths.
• To compare the perceptions of different listener groups (Jordanian and English) towards accented English speech.

Main Methods:

• Three listener groups rated speakers of English with different accent strengths on a 9-point scale.
• Ratings focused on accent magnitude, perceived confidence, and perceived intelligence.
• Statistical analysis was used to compare listener responses.

Main Results:

• Jordanian listeners showed similar reactions to Jordanian-accented English speakers, differing from English listeners.
• All listener groups tended to associate higher accentedness with lower perceived confidence and intelligence.
• Perceptions of intelligence and confidence were linked to accent strength across groups.

Conclusions:

• Listener bias, rather than intelligibility, may underlie negative stereotypes of accented speakers.
• Findings have implications for promoting tolerance towards English as a foreign language speakers in education and employment.
• Challenging biases is essential for social justice and fair evaluation of non-native English speakers.