This research paper is a review of Lippi-Green's book on American Accents. It simultaneously covers geographical accents as well as social and cultral accents within the United States. It finishes with a theoretical position and points of critique by the author.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
SUMMARY
Theoretical position of the author
Points of critique
Compliments
CONCLUSION
Objectives & Topics
This work provides a critical review of Rosina Lippi-Green's monograph "English with an Accent," examining how standard language ideologies contribute to social discrimination in the United States and how these ideologies are perpetuated through institutional and media structures.
- Analysis of standard language ideologies and linguistic myths
- Examination of the language subordination model
- The role of media and education in reinforcing linguistic prejudice
- Impact of accent discrimination on identity and social opportunity
- Critique of accessibility and methodological complexity
Excerpt from the Book
INTRODUCTION
English with an Accent (short EWA; 2012) is Rosina Lippi-Green’s updated and expanded second edition of the 1997 version on standard language ideologies and the perception of accents. Over eleven years she has enlarged the associated online biography with more than 800 sources, from newspaper articles to government documents (p.xxii). As a result, “pretty much every sentence in EWA had to be rewritten, every source checked, reevaluated, replaced or brought up to date, and every conclusion challenged” (p.xxii). Each chapter is indeed extensively enriched by multiple well researched and emphasizing sources, suggestions for further reading, and discussion questions for the classroom.
One of the strengths of this new edition is definitely the profound and deep research of sources and Lippi-Green’s engagement therewith. Questioning the readers’ well-kept beliefs about language seems to be one of the author’s intentions. She shows that no matter what education one has received, which age, gender or race an individual belongs to, no one is free from standard language ideology (SLI). Lippi-Green’s careful study of numerous samples of interviews, advertisement, popular culture and media round up to a very understandable and reliable piece of work. It even creates the effect of linguistic awareness in daily non-linguistic life as language is being deconstructed to its simplest forms and, subsequently, its reconstruction explained in meticulous detail. That way, linguistic elements that trigger discrimination against speakers, who deviate from SLI, are dismantled and this gives the reader a chance for personal reflection.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: This section provides an overview of Lippi-Green's second edition, emphasizing the extensive revisions made and the author's intent to challenge deeply held societal beliefs about language.
SUMMARY: This chapter categorizes the book's arguments into broader thematic fields, detailing the deconstruction of language myths, the mechanics of the language subordination model, and the systemic reinforcement of standard language ideology in schools and media.
Theoretical position of the author: This section outlines Lippi-Green's core argument that no individual is immune to standard language ideology, emphasizing that language perception is deeply embedded in American social structures.
Points of critique: This part identifies limitations in the text, specifically questioning the omission of the family unit's role in socialization and suggesting that the language subordination model may be overly complex.
Compliments: This section praises the monograph for its accessibility to non-linguists and its successful integration of academic research with engaging, real-world analogies.
CONCLUSION: The final section reflects on the author's call for a paradigm shift in how society perceives language and social interaction, noting the universal applicability of the issues raised.
Keywords
Standard language ideology, language myths, language subordination, accent discrimination, linguistic awareness, sociolinguistics, American dialects, media representation, educational system, social inequality, identity, Disney animated films, AAVE, language authority, linguistic prejudice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this review?
The review covers the second edition of Rosina Lippi-Green's "English with an Accent," focusing on how standard language ideologies lead to social discrimination against speakers of non-standard varieties.
What are the central themes of the book?
Key themes include the deconstruction of language myths, the mechanics of language subordination, the role of institutional influence on language attitudes, and the intersection of language with race and identity.
What is the main goal of the work?
The work aims to expose how society utilizes standard language ideology to justify social inequalities and to challenge readers to critically reflect on their own linguistic biases.
Which methodology does the author employ?
Lippi-Green utilizes a combination of source-based research, media analysis (including film and journalism), and the development of conceptual models to illustrate how linguistic discrimination is perpetuated.
What does the main body of the review address?
The review provides a detailed summary of the book’s chapters, organized by thematic fields, followed by an evaluation of the author's theoretical arguments, critique of specific omissions, and praise for the work's accessibility.
Which keywords characterize the book?
Core keywords include standard language ideology, language subordination, accent discrimination, sociolinguistics, and social inequality.
How does Lippi-Green explain accent development?
She uses the metaphor of a "Sound House" to illustrate the chronological process of how an individual's accent develops, changes, and is subject to "renovations" throughout their life.
What is the significance of the "language subordination model"?
It acts as an analytical tool to explain how standard language ideologies are disseminated and why individuals might consent to the stigmatized positions imposed upon them by society.
- Quote paper
- Laura Götz (Author), 2016, Review of "English with an Accent: Language, Ideology, and Discrimination in the United States" by Lippi-Green, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/368975
