Foreign Accents

In an age of mobility and global connection, we encounter foreign accents on a daily basis. We seem to know instinctively what characterizes an Asian or a European accent, and comedians everywhere can always resort to the stock image of the foreigner who bumbles his way through the language. Every accent carries its own stereotypes, connotations that are closely interlinked with current political trends and images projected by the media. By taking a closer look at the German, the Spanish and the Chinese accent in spoken English, this book provides a comprehensive and entertaining insight into the way accents are perceived in modern society. A phonological analysis of the individual accents is followed by a detailed sociolinguistic investigation, drawing on examples taken from both historical sources and popular media. Students and researchers alike will find this book a useful addition to a so far neglected area of linguistic study.