English with an Accent

English with an Accent examines language-based discrimination and the myth of a standardized American English. The book explores how institutions and power structures perpetuate language subordination through media, education, and workplace policies. Through case studies and research, Lippi-Green documents how accent discrimination affects speakers of various dialects and non-native English speakers in the United States. She analyzes Disney films, court cases, and corporate practices to demonstrate systematic bias against certain ways of speaking. The work focuses on the intersection of language, race, class, and national origin in American society. It details how language ideology serves as a proxy for discrimination against marginalized groups while maintaining the facade of linguistic standards. This second edition of English with an Accent challenges readers to confront their own prejudices about language and accent. The text reveals how beliefs about "correct" English connect to broader social justice issues and questions of power in American culture.

Readers appreciate the book's research-backed examination of language discrimination and its clear explanations of linguistic concepts. Many note its effectiveness in exposing unconscious biases about accents and dialects. Multiple reviews mention the book's accessibility despite tackling complex academic topics. Readers point to dense academic writing in some sections as a drawback. Several reviewers found the media analysis chapters repetitive. Some felt certain arguments were overstated or that counter-perspectives weren't adequately addressed. Review highlights: "Opens eyes to discrimination that often goes unnoticed" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much focus on Disney movies as evidence" - Amazon reviewer "Changed how I think about language in society" - Goodreads reviewer Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (237 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (78 ratings) Google Books: 4/5 (41 ratings) Most negative reviews focus on writing style rather than content or research quality.

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🎓 Rosina Lippi-Green began her career as a linguist studying language variation in a small Alpine village in Austria before becoming a professor at the University of Michigan. 🗣️ The book examines over 300 animated films from Disney and other studios to show how accent and language discrimination are portrayed in children's media. 📚 Though first published in 1997, the second edition (2012) includes new chapters on language discrimination in social media and the workplace, reflecting evolving communication landscapes. ⚖️ The author has served as an expert witness in court cases involving linguistic discrimination, bringing real-world application to the book's academic concepts. 🌍 The research presented in the book demonstrates that speakers with "standard" American English accents occupy positions of authority in animated films 81% of the time, while characters with other accents are often portrayed as less intelligent or untrustworthy.