GOODBYE ACCENT INSECURITY. YOUR STORY, YOUR POWER.
“I’m sorry, what was that?”
That’s usually the kindest version I heard when I was struggling to speak English. Usually, and unfortunately, people were often a lot less patient. The worst was when they felt the need to respond very slowly or when I detected a subtle hint of them mimicking my West African accent. There were so many times I felt frustrated or felt they thought I was somehow less intelligent, despite being bilingual!
This is not only the experience of immigrants, but of people that are from different parts of the U.S. who have experienced some form of accent-based bias. The truth is, we all have deeply rooted biases related to accents, whether racial, regional, or national. Allowing those biases to shape how we think of people's capabilities or intellect impacts both the recipient and the giver; we all lose. In my TEDx talk - Deconstructing the Color of Language - I discuss the root of these biases and offer ways to overcome them.
Upon learning English within a few years of immigrating to the U.S. from Senegal, I lost my accent. This isn’t uncommon. Many lose their accent and many more don’t, but it simply doesn’t matter. Your accent represents a powerful part of your story. It makes you who you are and carries with it generations of history and culture. There is no reason to be insecure about that. Be proud and hold your head high.
Don’t worry about sounding “professional” or “smart”. You are professional and you are smart. While it’s true that Eurocentric notions of professionalism are still pervasive, we are collectively working hard to change the limited depiction of what it means to sound or look professional. A shift that I hope will more accurately reflect and celebrate the excellence in our diversity.
Still, change is an active work in progress and can be slow. In the meantime, if you’re inclined to have insecurities about your accent, here are a few things to remember:
Sound like you. Real is rare, my friend, and your story is what’s going to separate you from the rest. Instead of trying to mimic anyone else (which may read inauthentic) focus on taking your time. Be clear and confident in your communication.
Focus your message. Get to the point. The author Dennis Roth said “If it takes a lot of words to say what you have in mind, give it more thought.” It’s important to recognize that while some cultures value illustrious language, we operate in one that places emphasis on concision and clarity.
Don’t overthink it. 99% of time, your listener is rooting for you. If you get verbal or non-verbal cues that trigger an insecurity, don’t sweat it and don’t assume the worst. Simply ask “what can I do to help you better understand?” Your listener will then be in a position to give you feedback that reduces the likelihood of any more time being wasted.
And remember, pay it forward. We’re all seeking to be understood. Treat others as you’d want to be treated. Even better, treat them as they would want to be treated. You’re a rock star, now say goodbye to that accent insecurity. Go out there and share some of your magic with the world.
Yours with grace,
Aïcha
