The Hidden Power of Accents: Identity, Bias & Belonging | Steven Feraru | TEDxArendal

Cultural Identity & Communication - Accents and dialects significantly influence perceptions of intelligence, socioeconomic status, and personality [1][4][6] - Language shapes cultural understanding, with even small words carrying distinct cultural meanings [1] - Judgments based on accents have historical roots, exemplified by the ancient Greek term "barbaros" [4][5] - Social media is a major driver of accent evolution, leading to convergence across geographical boundaries [9] Linguistic Analysis - Languages possess inherent sound qualities, with some perceived as "sexy" (e g, Spanish) due to open vowels and low vocal placement [1][2] - Perceptions of harshness in languages (e g, German) are often influenced by stereotypes and limited exposure [2][3] Personal & Social Impact - Individuals may alter their accents to fit in or project a certain image [1] - Accents tell a story about a person's background, experiences, and influences [10] - Embracing one's accent can be a powerful statement of identity [11][12]