Abstract

The present study investigates and characterizes potential relationships between accentedness and three language attitude traits: friendliness, intelligence, and employability, in a comparison of L1 English and L1 non-English individuals. Using a direct approach method and situated in the broader English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) context, this research is intended to provide insights for the second language speaker of English regarding the perception of their accented speech. Insights into such perceptions are of high concern to the second language speaker, whose accented speech output is inherently linked with positive or negative judgments by listeners. These judgments are prevalent, subjective, and significantly impact outcomes of opportunity among second language speakers. Twelve-item questionnaires were issued to the sample population, and their responses collated and analyzed for statistical significance. The findings indicate a difference in mean ratings of the measures of friendliness, intelligence, and employability between English and non-English L1 raters, though at a significance level precluding rejection of the null hypothesis. However, significant correlations were observed between ratings of friendliness, intelligence, and employability, and between ratings of accentedness and intelligence. These findings suggest that participants perceived more highly accented speech as less intelligent. Furthermore, ratings of friendliness, intelligence, and employability were closely interrelated across participants. Additional research is suggested to evaluate these relationships, oriented around achieving a wider and more representative population sample, and further investigation of the friendliness, intelligence, and employability constructs for sub-dimensionality.