Everyone Has an Everyone Has an Accent Except MeAccent Except MeAlison WeisbachAlison Weisbach

Alyssa SoukupAlyssa Soukup

Eric MonroeEric Monroe

summary of the myth

You think that you are the only one You think that you are the only one without an accent.without an accent.

A person believes their speech is devoid A person believes their speech is devoid of distinguishing characteristics.of distinguishing characteristics.

why do people think this myth is true?

Nature of “own-ness”Nature of “own-ness” To be “one of us” and sound like itTo be “one of us” and sound like it

Accent is a mapAccent is a map

Arguments *against* the myth

The construct of an accent is relative.The construct of an accent is relative. TimeTime LocationLocation

‘‘Co-construction of reality”Co-construction of reality” Constructivism is the idea of forming an Constructivism is the idea of forming an

identity actions in your life thus far.identity actions in your life thus far. Accent is shaped by one’s experiencesAccent is shaped by one’s experiences

Three Strands of AccentThree Strands of Accent

Very short consonant/vowel sounds in Very short consonant/vowel sounds in rapid successionrapid succession

Rhythm and intonationRhythm and intonation

Voice qualityVoice quality

How does it relate to what we're talking about?

How people would spell things differently How people would spell things differently depending on how we say that.depending on how we say that. ““blink”blink” ““bat”bat” Cleveland v. CincinnatiCleveland v. Cincinnati New York v. New JerseyNew York v. New Jersey Louisville v. LouisvilleLouisville v. Louisville

Myth’s Relevance to Our Myth’s Relevance to Our LivesLives

Alyssa: Working in a Call CenterAlyssa: Working in a Call Center

Alison: Roommates from ClevelandAlison: Roommates from Cleveland

Eric: Working in a Call CenterEric: Working in a Call Center