Social stereotypes or attitudes reflected in language form Essay Example

onto this negative image of Arabs will likely associate these qualities with anyone who speaks with an Arabic accent. The listener's bias will lead them to view the speaker as a dangerous individual with all of these negative traits. Consequently, the listener may feel unsafe and choose to avoid interacting with such a person.

This is the impact of language stereotyping on students studying abroad. They face unfavorable treatment due to their distinct accent and are often treated unfairly as if they have committed some crime. The differences in language and accent lead to negative reactions from people, while similar accents receive positive treatment.

Individuals who possess a foreign or unconventional accent often encounter discrimination in various aspects of their lives, including education and employment. In comparison, those with a standard or familiar accent are more likely to receive preference and support. Despite the unwarranted nature of this bias, it persists worldwide. Numerous studies have investigated social stereotyping and language-based attitudes, revealing various insights into perceptions of standard and foreign accents. A study by Sen uncovered that individuals with unique accents are frequently viewed as socially unappealing, inarticulate, grammatically deficient, contextually inappropriate, and linguistically flawed. However, they are also regarded as possessing positive personality traits such as humor, sociability, likability, self-confidence, and reliability.

Sen's (n.d.) study indicates that a person's language and accent hold more sway over their image than their personal qualities. Listeners ultimately perceive individuals based on their accent, regardless of any other admirable traits they may possess. Banks (1999) argues that it is unjust to judge people based on these factors, and that everyone deserves respect and praise, irrespective of age, gender, origin, race

or language.

Although foreign or unfamiliar accents might give the impression that someone is socially unacceptable, it would be unfair and harsh to judge them without personally knowing them. It's important to provide people with such accents a chance to demonstrate their skills, behaviors, morals, and values. If they excel in these critical aspects, they should receive equal respect, importance, status, love, and care as native speakers do. Foreigners are human beings who grew up in different environments and cultures; nevertheless, they drink the same water, eat the same food and breathe the same air as everyone else.