Experiencing Discrimination in the Classroom: A Linguafranchia Saga
Speaking of the vilest incidents faced in academia, I vividly recall a harrowing event that transpired during my master’s degree in Delhi, India, about seven years ago. This recounting delves into the intricate layers of linguistic and racial prejudice within the educational realm, under the shoes of a highly opinionated professor who unequivocally shaped my perception of success and proper language use.
The Professor's Superficial Superiority
The professor in question was a Bengali woman, born and raised in Kolkata, with an impressive academic background. She had pursued her masters and PhD in a university in the UK, albeit not a prestigious one like Oxford or Cambridge. Upon returning to India after a mere five years abroad, she carried with her an unwavering sense of superiority, all traced back to her British accent.
It is a widespread but deeply troubling phenomenon in India, where accents hold tangible value in the eyes of the social and academic elite. This professor, despite residing in India for over three decades, harbored a rigid belief that her British accent equated to cultural refinement and success.
Insulting Feedback and a Valuable Lesson
During one of my presentations, I received commendation for my work. However, the professor's feedback was anything but flattering. "You really need to improve your accent," she publicly stated, adding, "It sounds horrible, and if you speak like this, you will never succeed abroad or have people take you seriously, especially how you pronounce words."
I was flummoxed by her criticism, unsure of how to respond. She elaborated, "Your English sounds way too South Indian and it doesn't sound nice when you speak with such a local accent. You need to speak in a slightly more sophisticated way for people to take you seriously." To my defense, I had taken her remarks as a grain of salt, primarily because she awarded me full marks for my presentation. Furthermore, I reasoned, why should I care about an accent if my message is conveyed effectively?
Beyond Borders: An Unsophisticated South Indian Accent
Ironically, the presentation I made was about Norway. Today, I sit here, crafting another response, still emanating an 'unsophisticated South Indian accent,' right in the heart of Oslo. Yet, here I am, part of a diverse community that values my audacity to communicate in a manner that suits my identity.
This story reflects a broader issue known as linguafranchia, a term that describes the privilege associated with specific accents, particularly those perceived as more 'educated' or 'global.' I acknowledge that while some Indians adopt foreign accents purely out of a love for English or as a result of socialization, others, like me, merely seek clear communication.
Race, Language, and the Linguafranchia Complex
My journey has been marked by various forms of linguistic prejudice, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. I've encountered individuals who, despite hailing from India, espouse a British or American accent, thanks to TV shows. Similarly, I've met others who, while born and raised in India, have seamlessly integrated foreign accents into their speech patterns due to prolonged exposure to English media.
Such experiences underscore the complex interplay between language, accent, and identity. However, understanding that my South Indian accent is just a part of my unique cultural repertoire, I adopt a neutral Indian accent, a choice rooted in self-acceptance rather than pretentiousness.
Moreover, this saga of linguistic prejudice is not confined to South Indians; it cuts across all regional boundaries. For instance, I had a professor during my undergraduate studies who spoke with an American accent, yet had never set foot outside India; similarly, a classmate with a perfect British accent struggled to mimic this accent while speaking in India.
Racism and Linguistic Discrimination
Both my classmate's and my situations reflect a broader challenge within India - linguistic and cultural prejudice masquerading under the guise of sophistication. This has led to unintended discrimination and self-doubt among students who are inherently talented yet dismissed on account of their regional accents.
Lastly, it is remiss to conclude without acknowledging the broader implications of such linguistic prejudices, especially in India. Addressing these issues is central to fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society, where every student's unique voice and accent are celebrated rather than stigmatized.