UK survey: what is the influence of accents?

Accents Speak Louder than Words
In June 2007, Hear the World conducted a survey of 4000 adults in the UK to gain a greater understanding about regional accents. Surprisingly, 1 in 3 people will judge your personality, intelligence and competence based purely on your accent. This means that the secret of success at work, and in relationships, can depend on the way you talk.

At Work
A staggering 15% admitted that they would take someone less seriously at work if they had an accent and 11% agreed that an individual's accent would influence whether or not they did business with them.

Butnot all accents are an occupational hazard. On the career ladder it seems those who speak the Queens English have the upper hand. 73% of those surveyed think they sound the most intelligent, 70% think their voice carries the most authority and 50%believe they sound the most confident.

In Love
Accents can also influenceour success in finding love. Halfof the womensurveyed(and 45% of the men) said that they would find someone more attractiveif they had an accent.

Closer to Home
Despite the apparent importance we give toother people's accents, it seems we hold particular favour with our own. When we are away from home 63% felt they wouldconnect better with someone who had asimilar accent and 55% were proud of their regionalaccent.

Psychologist Dr Glenn Wilson at Kings College, London said: " Depending on our particular perception, accents can play a hugerole in ourinitial attitude towards others. This explains whysome people are more likely to adapt their accent to avoid being stereotyped and encourage a particular impression."

Accent that’s Most Difficult to Understand
Scottish - 30%
Geordie - 20%
Northern Irish - 13%

Would you connect better with someone with similar accent?
Yes - 63%
No - 37%

Would you find someone more attractive if they had an accent?
Yes - 47%
No - 53%


 Please find attached the full results of this UK survey here .