A subtle method of removing negative accent prejudice.

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of (1) Accent (Turkish-Dutch and Standard Dutch) and (2) Processing type (Central processing and peripheral processing) on Status, Likeability, Dynamism, and Hirability. The main research question is: To what extent will the encouragement of central processing improve the evaluation of a Turkish-Dutch accent for Dutch people? Results showed significant effects on Status, Likeability, Dynamism, and Hirability. In all cases the Turkish-Dutch accent was rated lower, and therefore more negatively, compared to the Standard Dutch accent. This study did not find an interaction effect where the central processing route would remove the negative accent evaluations for the Turkish-Dutch accent. Therefore this study does not provide evidence that central processing improves the evaluation of a Turkish-Dutch accented speaker compared to a Standard Dutch accented speaker.