Accentism in the UK 🇬🇧

#QuarantineTalks

19-09-2022 • 1 hr 29 mins

Hey what’s up people, long time no speak! #YourFriendlyNeighborhoodNegro is bringing a SPECIAL episode of #QuarantineTalks!

Today me and one of my best friends, Tim, discuss #accentism in London! I felt with the passing of “Queen” Lizzie and all of the controversy surrounding the “royal” family, that this was the PERFECT time to revisit this conversation! The term "accentism" describes discriminatory or unfair behavior centered on someone's accent or language use. Tim is an Australian born and raised man, who’s mother happens to be welsh! He came to the UK at 23 and has been there ever since (minus vacations and sabbaticals).

We discuss the DOZENS of different accents the city of London has, and the class differences therein!! The myriad of ways that SOUNDING a certain type of way in the UK can either help or hurt your chances in jobs, relationships, social-economic circles…basically EVERYTHING!

Then we go macro to talk about the difference of the Scottish and Irish accents, along with a little history on how the monarchy of britain have systematically discriminated against the other isles (Welsh, Scotts, Irish). We also discuss how Londoners view Australians as backward country hicks (the same northerners view southerners) and, lastly, do a deep dive on the phenomenon known as “Third Culture” !