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I was always curious about the anxiety a person would feel…

“I was always curious about the anxiety a person would feel when you open your mouth and you have an accent. You could have a Ph.D. or be a lawyer, but as soon as you say something, you may be diminished in the eyes of someone else.” quote by Dinaw Mengestu
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“I was always curious about the anxiety a person would feel when you open your mouth and you have an accent. You could have a Ph.D. or be a lawyer, but as soon as you say something, you may be diminished in the eyes of someone else.”

Dinaw Mengestu

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He explores the anxiety of speaking with an accent, noting that even highly educated individuals can be judged.

In simple terms: Accent can cause anxiety and judgment.

Key Takeaway

Be aware of bias toward accents.

Themes

identity language bias confidence social perception

Mood

thought‑provoking empathetic

Type

social psychological

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • job interviews
  • social interactions

Key Concepts

sociolinguistics self‑esteem stereotyping

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does accent affect your confidence?
  • What strategies reduce accent‑based bias?
A Different Perspective

Bias may persist despite credentials.

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