Everyone is different. Everyone was raised differently, taught differently, and speaks differently. Therefore, everyone prefers or likes the accent from where they are from because that is what they are most comfortable with. There is no such thing as a superior accent. All U.S accents are equal. Yet, people still classify some accents above others. I found a list of what people believe to be the top 4 most annoying U.S accents. The list is from divinecaroline.com.
The first most annoying accent was the upper-midwestern accent. Second is the New Jersey (Joisey) accent. Third was the classic Boston accent. And the fourth most annoying accent was the deep south country accent.
The article explains that people often feel a dislike to accents because it is very hard for them to understand the person speaking. They may feel like because they can't understand the person speaking, then that person is most likely uneducated. To me, an accent is part of the experience of visiting a different state or region. You wouldn't go to Germany and think everyone is uneducated because they speak a different way. Why would you think that way in your own country then?
This is a clip from the TLC show Long Island Medium. She has a very strong Long Island accent, but after a while of listening, it doesn't even phase me.
I agree that part of the reason why we may prefer one accent over another is that we are just used to hearing one thing in our upbringing.Also, like you said we can be annoyed because we don't understand what they are saying. Perhaps, in a way, not being able to understand makes us feel dumb and that is why we prefer to listen to what we feel we are good at (our own way of speaking). It is funny how we can notice things in other people and not in ourselves.
ReplyDeleteIts sad that people find other accents annoying. I personally love Long Island accents and wish that I had one!
ReplyDeletei actually accents are funny and so times hard to understand but not annoying, i think people should try to understand that not everybody comes from the same back ground.
ReplyDeleteI do not agree that accents are annoying; they are unique. Accents show one's culture and the background of where that person comes from. Although it is hard to understand someone with an accent, it should be respected.
ReplyDeleteI have never really been annoyed of an accent but I do find some of them funny. This was a great idea for a post though! I like how you included the medium clip. My mom used to watch that show and I used to mock the way the lady spoke just to annoy my mom.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right on about that clip. At first, I noticed the accent, but towards the end, I got used to it and forgot about it. I love all different types of accents. The only one I cannot STAND is the country/ Southern accent. Sorry folks, but anything having to do with country makes me sick!
ReplyDeleteI love talking with people who have accents! I feel like they are so much a part of what makes up this world! I think that labeling accents as annoying is very counter productive. I love the Bahston accent soooo much, it just makes me chuckle. New Jersey I'm not a fan of, but I don't think it's annoying. That video of the lady, she is annoying whether she had an accent or not though :D
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