Accent Bias towards Korean-English Second-language Learners: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

Accent bias refers to prejudice and stereotypes towards individuals speaking a language with a pronunciation different from the dominant trend. This study examines accent biases in second language English learners who speak Korean as their first language. The research took place in an international school located in Jeju Island, South Korea. The study investigates what accent biases are, how they are established against second language English learners, and why people act on these accent biases. Results were collected through an online questionnaire that tested Korean-English bilinguals and English monolinguals’ perceptions of English second language learners’ accents. The audio files of differently accented speakers were obtained through Speech Accent Archive. Research survey participants were presented with audio clips of three different speakers for scenario one, a law firm job interview situation and scenario two, meeting the speakers as newly acquainted friends. The study explores factors that may affect the exercise of accent biases in our society, such as the broadness of the speaker’s accent, the perceiver’s linguistic background, and the context of the interaction. The research tests statistically the correlation between these factors and the accent biases expressed better to understand accent bias towards second language English learners. As a result, the study will guide in the direction of efforts that can be made to eradicate accent biases in decision making situations.