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31/10/2001
Accents speak louder than words
According to a survey by a UK leading independent spoken communications consultancy, strong regional accents are a distinct disadvantage to people who want to succeed in business.
Results taken from a Aziz Corporation survey reveal that almost two fifths of respondents consider a strong regional accent to be a disadvantage in business, compared to just seven per cent who feel that it is an advantage. Strong regional accents were particularly thought to be a disadvantage by men and by directors of large companies.
Even strong overseas accents are regarded more favourably than a UK regional accent, with 10 per cent of businessmen stating they feel foreign accents to be an advantage in business. The research also revealed that some regional accents convey negative impressions.
The survey said that accents are often seen as an indicator of a businessman’s honesty and industriousness. Those with a Scottish or Welsh accent are considered the most above-board and trustworthy with 26 per cent and 21 per cent respectively stating these accents convey above-average honesty.
Those with Scottish accents were also considered to be the most hardworking by 32 per cent, followed closely by those with a ‘geordie’ twang at 26 per cent. The ‘scouse’ accent comes bottom of both league tables, once again, with eight per cent of respondents saying they felt Liverpudlian businessmen are less hardworking and 10 per cent saying they felt these were less honest than average. (MB)
Results taken from a Aziz Corporation survey reveal that almost two fifths of respondents consider a strong regional accent to be a disadvantage in business, compared to just seven per cent who feel that it is an advantage. Strong regional accents were particularly thought to be a disadvantage by men and by directors of large companies.
Even strong overseas accents are regarded more favourably than a UK regional accent, with 10 per cent of businessmen stating they feel foreign accents to be an advantage in business. The research also revealed that some regional accents convey negative impressions.
The survey said that accents are often seen as an indicator of a businessman’s honesty and industriousness. Those with a Scottish or Welsh accent are considered the most above-board and trustworthy with 26 per cent and 21 per cent respectively stating these accents convey above-average honesty.
Those with Scottish accents were also considered to be the most hardworking by 32 per cent, followed closely by those with a ‘geordie’ twang at 26 per cent. The ‘scouse’ accent comes bottom of both league tables, once again, with eight per cent of respondents saying they felt Liverpudlian businessmen are less hardworking and 10 per cent saying they felt these were less honest than average. (MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
