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Same Person, Different Personality?
Neil W Kirk1, Ciera Haggar1,2, Bethany Lane1
1Department of Sociological and Psychological Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
Experimental Psychology
|April 14, 2026
Summary
Speaking Scottish Standard English boosted perceptions of attractiveness and competence compared to Dundonian dialect. Dialect significantly influences social perceptions and how individuals are treated.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociolinguistics
- Social Perception
Background:
- Vocal characteristics are modulated for social advantage, influencing information extraction beyond content.
- Previous research has not explored perceptions of individuals using closely related dialects from small geographic areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how perceptions of the same individual change when speaking Scottish Standard English (SSE) versus Dundonian dialect.
- To examine the impact of dialect on social perceptions of attractiveness, competence, and leadership potential.
Main Methods:
- Participants heard recordings of the same men speaking SSE and Dundonian.
- Perceptions of various social traits were assessed for each dialect condition.
Main Results:
- Scottish Standard English (SSE) significantly enhanced perceptions of attractiveness and competence compared to Dundonian.
- Effect sizes for SSE's positive impact on these traits were nearly identical and substantial.
Conclusions:
- Dialect choice influences social perceptions, affecting how individuals are viewed as potential partners, allies, or leaders.
- The same person can be perceived differently based on the dialect they adopt, impacting social interactions.
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