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AIBU?

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Original poster

Are accents snobbish

327 replies

678somean · 08/09/2023 09:19

I know this is going to get me a lot of backlash. But I love a good debate so thought I'd pose the question....
I hate regional accents. I know they can't be helped but they sound so thick.
There was an article in the Guardian recently where they mentioned that people with regional accents go to speech therapy before moving to London in order to apply for jobs!
I think it's a smart move. But of course not a popular opinion.
I've worked with lots of people in high profile roles and honestly, whether people like it or not, the ones with RP are definitely taken more seriously and respected.
I've noticed all over England that the ones who are highly educated with good jobs rarely have their local accent and most have admitted that it's undesirable to have a regional accent and they are middle/upper class so don't speak with one.
Do others feel the same when applying for high status roles?

OP posts:
Cattenberg · 08/09/2023 09:38

People make snap judgements when they hear an RP accent too. The vast majority of Brits don’t have one, so they stand out - they’re not “neutral”. I would say they evoke a mixture of positive and negative connotations.

Original poster
678somean · 08/09/2023 09:39

No one said you can't get ahead. It's just a post and a question. Why is it then that well to do families of the north speak as if they've never left the M25?

OP posts:
MarjorieStuartBaxter · 08/09/2023 09:40

That's what I have my telephone voice my accent is known as "common" but it can't be helped can it, I don't think you can sit there saying you hate something that actually can't be helped and has fuck all to do with you or is impacting your life.

OhHolyMoly · 08/09/2023 09:41

ODFOD.

LubaLuca · 08/09/2023 09:42

Why is it then that well to do families of the north speak as if they've never left the M25?

Have you ever met any people of the north? I'm one, I'm married to a southerner. My voice commands far more respect than his.

I speak as if I've never been within the M25.

JaneJeffer · 08/09/2023 09:43
audrey hepburn ascot GIF

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MarjorieStuartBaxter · 08/09/2023 09:43

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 08/09/2023 09:43

I know they can't be helped but they sound so thick

It’s not the accents that sound thick.

SocksAndTheCity · 08/09/2023 09:44

678somean · 08/09/2023 09:36

Well I didn't want to say elocution lessons, but that's what I meant.

Show quote history

Did you assume that posters here wouldn't know what elocution lessons were, despite not having heard any of us speak?

So people who don't speak with a bland RP accent are thick, message board posters are thick - who else is on your Thick List? May we see it? 🤣

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 08/09/2023 09:44

678somean · 08/09/2023 09:39

No one said you can't get ahead. It's just a post and a question. Why is it then that well to do families of the north speak as if they've never left the M25?

What does an M25 accent sound like?

Cattenberg · 08/09/2023 09:44

Why is it then that well to do families of the north speak as if they've never left the M25?

There are people who sound as though they’ve never ventured out of their public school bubble, yes. I imagine it can be hard for them to be seen as a local, with local knowledge.

Seeline · 08/09/2023 09:44

678somean · 08/09/2023 09:39

No one said you can't get ahead. It's just a post and a question. Why is it then that well to do families of the north speak as if they've never left the M25?

There is no one accent within the M25.

There are however many stupid people - and that doesn't depend on where you come from or what accent you have.....

ArcticBells · 08/09/2023 09:45

I love regional accents. Can't think of anything worse than all sounding the same - so boring.

HorseySurprise · 08/09/2023 09:45

678somean · 08/09/2023 09:36

Well I didn't want to say elocution lessons, but that's what I meant.

Show quote history

Why not? In case you offended someone?😄

1upmushroom · 08/09/2023 09:45

I'm surprised so many of the comments are taking offense at this tbh. It's not right, but it is true.

OP, my parents have strong regional accents but thought it might hold me back. From a young age I had elocution and public speaking lessons and have what my dad would describe as a 'bbc newsreader' accent 😂. Has this helped me professionally? Definitely. I have done some voiceover work and am frequently requested for presentations at work over others as (presumably) I am easy to understand.

FWIW I love a regional accent. It's a bit sad I don't sound like my lovely mum and dad.

Mrsjayy · 08/09/2023 09:45

678somean · 08/09/2023 09:39

No one said you can't get ahead. It's just a post and a question. Why is it then that well to do families of the north speak as if they've never left the M25?

There is life beyond the M25 but the people you are talking about are swimming in the privileged pool as its always been they will do well,

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 08/09/2023 09:45

Genuinely lol that you know who all the ‘top school’ heads are and what they sound like 😂

JaneJeffer · 08/09/2023 09:45

What does an M25 accent sound like?
Vroom vroom vroom

kipperba · 08/09/2023 09:46

But daaaarling, if everyone spoke BBC English, how would people like you know who to treat with respect?

Commonhousewitch · 08/09/2023 09:46

i think you are getting a lot of grief. I'm not saying its right but it is a fact that people with certain accents don't do as well - i recall a survey which specifically highlighted birmingham accents - it's prejudice.
Most people i know even if they started off with strong accents have lost them over the years they've softened - a lot of its natural- a way of fitting in- i moved to London 20 plus years ago and my accent has changed- it wasn't deliberate just to be understood and fit in. I do know people whose accents are very strong- some of them more so than when they were young- i think its a sort of statement

Calistano · 08/09/2023 09:47

I think there is such a thing as a "thick" voice, although I don't think it's related to regional accents. Some people just sound dense.

Seeline · 08/09/2023 09:47

JaneJeffer · 08/09/2023 09:45

What does an M25 accent sound like?
Vroom vroom vroom

No - that's far too speedy for the M25 😆

MiniTheMinx · 08/09/2023 09:47

Cattenberg · 08/09/2023 09:38

People make snap judgements when they hear an RP accent too. The vast majority of Brits don’t have one, so they stand out - they’re not “neutral”. I would say they evoke a mixture of positive and negative connotations.

I concur. I sound 'posh' so I must be a snob. I've found it isn't especially advantageous. Except I get better service is Selfridges and Harrods because its assumed I have money. Since I don't have two beans that's not useful either.

I love regional accents especially Geordie, and I could listen to anyone talking anything all day long if they have a strong northern Irish accent.

TarantinoIsAMisogynist · 08/09/2023 09:47

I hate regional accents. I know they can't be helped but they sound so thick.

Right.....

You know that the MC London accent is also a regional accent, don't you?

DatumTarum · 08/09/2023 09:48

678somean · 08/09/2023 09:39

No one said you can't get ahead. It's just a post and a question. Why is it then that well to do families of the north speak as if they've never left the M25?

They don't.

You're just making assumptions about people based on their accents.