This is an interesting article based a 5-year study:
A Harvard University study has shown that when it comes to making friends, children prefer those whose speech patterns - rather than skin color - mimic their own. It has long been recognized that both kids and adults form and organize relationship networks largely based on the race, gender and age of others.
While previous research has shown that white kids in the United States tend to pick same-race friends, new findings suggest that race takes a back seat when foreign or non-native accents come into play. During the study, when offered the choice between making friends with either a white or black child who spoke French, English with a French accent, or native English, the group of white 5-year-old study participants overwhelmingly opted for the native speakers, regardless of their race.
After helping hundreds of people reduce their accents, I have to say this study rings true not only for children, but for adults as well. Accents are important for children in making friends, but they are important for adults in finding clients and doing business. As an accent reduction Executive Coach, I have found that improving the accent helps people find clients, jobs, and opportunities and friends.
For example, many of my financial adviser clients with Latino accents in Miami, come to me to help them reduce their accent so they may increase their client base and find American clients. I also work with entrepreneurs who have a 'Miami' accent. They want to reduce it so they may do business with more people in Boca Raton, Palm Beach and the rest of the United States. Many actors also work with me to reduce their accents, as they are limited on parts they can play. I have worked with people to reduce their Texas accents, as they weren't 'chic' on Wall Street. When Obama announced his candidacy for president, many African American young entrepreneurs came to me to help them reduce the Ebonics in their speech. They knew they needed to be able to "switch" their speech in order to increase their chances of success.
This study is interesting because it confirms that accents keep us in closed circles. Fortunately, we CAN change our accents, and people do it all the time.
"Lisa-isms"
Oh my, we like to hang around people who talk like us! Improving your accent helps people find new clients, jobs, opportunities and new friends!
--Lisa
