Thinking with an Accent: Toward a New Object, Method, and Practice

Thinking with an Accent explores accent as a mode of perception, an interdisciplinary method, and an embodied practice that mediates global economies of discrimination and desire. It invites the reader to think with an accent and practice a dialogical and multimodal inquiry that can yield transformative modalities of knowledge, action, and care.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

Thinking with an Accent: An Introduction to the Perception of Accent

Accent, a fascinating and underappreciated aspect of human communication, emerges as a rich and complex mode of perception in Thinking with an Accent. This groundbreaking volume brings together scholars from diverse fields, including media, literature, education, law, language, and sound, to explore accent as an object of inquiry, an interdisciplinary approach, and an embodied practice.

Accent goes beyond mere identification, as it encompasses a wide range of phenomena. It influences how we perceive and interpret the world, shaping our interactions with others and our own identities. From algorithmic bias and corporate pedagogy to migratory poetics and the politics of comparison, accent mediates global economies of discrimination and desire.

What makes accent particularly intriguing is its intricate relationship with bodies and media. Accents arise between individuals and the technologies they use, whether it's spoken language, written text, or digital media. They negotiate power dynamics, challenge assumptions, and invite attunement to the nuances of communication.

In this collection of essays, the reader is invited to engage in a dialogical and multimodal inquiry that fosters transformative modalities of knowledge, action, and care. The authors encourage us to think with an accent, to adopt a perspective that recognizes the significance of accent in shaping our experiences and understanding the world around us. By exploring the complexities of accent, we can develop a deeper appreciation for diversity, challenge stereotypes, and cultivate a more inclusive and equitable society.

Thinking with an Accent is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of communication studies, offering a fresh perspective on the perception of accent and its profound implications for our lives. It is a must-read for scholars, educators, and anyone interested in expanding their understanding of human communication and the diverse ways in which we navigate the world.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520389731