The effect of listener language proficiency on the evaluations of accented speakers during the job application process.

Abstract

This study looked into the effect language proficiency has on the evaluations of accentedness in an organizational context to combat the discrimination of nonstandard accentedness in the workplace, specifically during the job application process. Nonnative participants were presented with an audio fragment of either a nonstandard-accented job applicant or a standard-acccented job applicant and were asked to evaluate the speaker on the dimensions of perceived comprehensibility, status, solidarity, dynamism, and hireability. Participants either had an intermediate proficiency in the English language, or an advanced proficiency. Results showed the standard accent to be rated generally higher than the nonstandard accent on perceived comprehensibility, status, dynamism. and hireability. No influence was found of listener language proficiency on the evaluations of accentedness in the job application process. Nonetheless, the findings of this study seem to have implications for nonstandard-accented speakers in the job application process, because they are more likely to face discrimination on one or more dimensions based on their nonstandard-accentendess.