Ashamed of Your Accent - When Being Laughed at for How You Talk Leaves Scars

About a 3 min read.

The Reality of Dialect Shame

According to a survey by the NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute, about 40% of people from rural areas have felt embarrassed about their dialect. The trigger is often being laughed at or repeatedly asked to repeat yourself after moving to an urban area for school or work.

Dialect shame is not simply a matter of "how you talk." Language is at the core of personal identity, and having your dialect rejected is tantamount to having your origins, your family, and your hometown rejected. Sociolinguist William Labov pointed out that linguistic discrimination (linguicism) damages individual dignity in the same way as racial or gender discrimination.

Why Dialects Are Seen as "Inferior Speech"

Linguistically, a dialect is not a degraded version of the standard language. Every dialect possesses its own complete language system with unique grammar, vocabulary, and phonological rules. The notion that "standard language is correct and dialect is wrong" reflects political and economic power structures, not linguistic fact.

The Meiji government established "standard Japanese" for the purpose of national unification. Dialects were treated as something to be corrected through the school system. This historical suppression lies at the root of modern dialect shame. (You can learn about the historical background from books on dialect and society)

Building a Healthy Relationship with Your Dialect

1. Recognize That Your Dialect Is a Skill

A person who can switch between dialect and standard speech is linguistically a "bidialectal" speaker. Like bilingualism, this indicates high cognitive flexibility. The ability to switch language registers depending on the situation is proof of strong communication skills.

2. Consciously Choose When to Use Your Dialect

Standard speech in business settings, dialect with friends and family. This is not "hiding your dialect" but "optimizing your communication." Code-switching - adjusting your language to the situation - is a normal linguistic behavior widely studied in sociolinguistics.

3. Dealing with People Who Mock Your Dialect

Mocking someone's dialect is discrimination rooted in ignorance. That said, you do not need to confront every instance. A light response like "Is it funny? Everyone talks like this where I'm from" or simply ignoring it are both valid. Prioritize protecting your own energy. If you are repeatedly ridiculed for your dialect in an environment like the workplace, addressing it as harassment is also an option.

4. Turn Your Dialect into a Source of Pride

In recent years, the social perception of dialects has been shifting from "uncool" to "charming." Regional branding that leverages local dialects, dialect-themed characters, and the popularity of entertainers who speak in dialect. By reframing your dialect not as a "shame" but as a "distinctive trait," you can positively integrate it as part of your identity. (Books on language and identity are also a helpful reference)

Summary

A dialect is not inferior speech; it is a rich cultural heritage. Being able to speak a dialect is a skill, not something to be ashamed of. Having the flexibility to switch between standard speech and dialect while taking pride in your own language - that is what it means to be free from dialect shame.