On NPR recently(July 23, Fresh Air), I heard an interview with 2 linguistic experts and a journalist- all women- who spoke of the unjust ways women in the workplace and on social levels are judged by their tone of voice, their accents , and vocal mannerisms. No surprise there. I've always been intrigued by language and the science of it, but the social ramifications of the way we speak is what really intrigues me. How many times have I been perceived as less of a person or less intelligent or less knowledgeable because of my slight southern accent? Wasn't I urged to lose the accent in acting school to sound more "general"? Didn't a colleague tell me once that I could never call out names at Constitution Hall graduation because of my accent?
That's why I love writing. I can write in any "voice" I choose. I can joyfully use the voice of the mountain people of my background or not. In my workshops and with those of others in AWA, we can use our natural voices. No one is going to edit that away unless you want to.
http://www.npr.org/podcasts/381444908/fresh-air
That's why I love writing. I can write in any "voice" I choose. I can joyfully use the voice of the mountain people of my background or not. In my workshops and with those of others in AWA, we can use our natural voices. No one is going to edit that away unless you want to.
http://www.npr.org/podcasts/381444908/fresh-air
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