Accent is an important part of how people communicate and express identity. In Higher Education (HE), accents can also shape how individuals are perceived, judged, or treated by others. This project explores how accent influences university experiences for both students and staff at any UK-based HE institution, focusing on both academic/professional and social contexts.
The project asks how individuals perceive their own accent, how they believe others perceive it, and whether these perceptions affect their confidence, participation, relationships, and sense of inclusion at university. It also examines whether people feel their accent has created advantages or disadvantages in teaching, meetings, peer relationships, interactions with students or staff, and communication with people outside the university. In addition, the project considers whether individuals have ever felt pressure to change or adapt their accent in university settings, and whether language-based judgements have affected their career or future opportunities.
Through a questionnaire, the project will collect both structured responses and personal examples from staff and students across different roles, schools, linguistic backgrounds, and demographic groups. By understanding these experiences, the study aims to understand how accent perception shapes participation and equality in higher education, and to inform more inclusive practices within the university.