Accent modification and workplace accentism: the institutionalization of linguistic profiling and its career implications

Abstract

Purpose: This paper argues that accent modification acts as a mechanism that (re)produces workplace accentism, which is a set of ideologies and practices positioning some English accents as inherently superior/inferior to others in the context of work and careers. Design/methodology/approach: This conceptual paper draws on existing literature mainly from critical sociolinguistic and labor studies to support its central argument. Findings: Through acting as a skill, a technology and a commodified service, accent modification naturalizes linguistic hierarchies, which are racist, classist and colonial constructions, and reinforces the structural status quo in different contexts. Practical implications: In order to move away from accent modification as a means to enhance oral communication at work, organizational attempts at fostering mutual intelligibility and undoing the role of accent in workplace communication are necessary. Originality/value: Contrary to research that presents accentism as a purely interpersonal issue, the paper explores how accentism is institutionalized and is connected to linguistic profiling.