Presenter

Camilla Osman, Department of Psychology, University of Alberta

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between mindsets and language- and accent-based prejudice and discrimination among non-native ESL speakers. We hypothesized that those who believe language competence can improve (i.e. incremental mindsets) ascribe more blame to ESL learners for accented speech and poorer English language skills and that those who believe language competence is fixed (i.e. entity mindsets) are less supportive for government-funded language programs. We conducted an experiment in which Anglo-Canadians were assigned to one of three theory-priming conditions (entity, incremental, and control), and completed a survey on their implicit beliefs of language intelligence, the degree of blame they ascribed a non-native speaker for their language skills, and their support for a more restrictive immigration policy. Results showed that participants primed with incremental mindsets were more likely to ascribe blame to non-native speakers compared to those primed with entity mindsets. Participants in the entity and control conditions did not differ in support for controlled immigration policy, while incremental theorists were significantly less supportive of such a policy. Language mindsets may uncover other ways to conceptualize the underpinnings prejudice and discrimination on the basis of language and accents.

Poster

Authors & Affiliations

C. Osman, N. M. Lou, & K. A. Noels (Intercultural Communications Lab, Psychology Department, University of Alberta)