Description

The Self-Perceived Accent [SPA-2] is a tool designed to assess individuals’ perceptions of their own accent, particularly in multilingual or multicultural contexts. It is typically used in linguistic research, speech therapy, and sociolinguistics to gauge how strongly individuals perceive their accent in comparison to a standard or another accent. The SPA-2 can be applied in studies exploring accent-related identity, language proficiency, and social integration among speakers of different languages.

Analysis and Use of Data

Data collected using the SPA-2 is typically analyzed to understand the correlation between self-perceived accent strength and various factors such as age, language proficiency, exposure to different languages, and social context. Common methods of analysis include:
Descriptive Statistics: To summarize the basic features of the data, including mean, median, standard deviation, and frequency distribution of responses.
Correlation Analysis: To explore the relationship between self-perceived accent and other variables such as age of acquisition, frequency of use of a second language, or social identity.
Regression Analysis: To predict the extent to which different factors contribute to the strength of self-perceived accent.
Qualitative Analysis: If the SPA-2 includes open-ended questions, qualitative data analysis may be used to identify common themes or narratives in participants’ perceptions of their accents.
The results from SPA-2 can be utilized in designing interventions for language learners, improving speech therapy techniques, and understanding the social dynamics of language use in multilingual communities.

Calibration

Calibration of the SPA-2 involves ensuring that the tool accurately reflects individuals’ self-perceived accent. This may require:
Pilot Testing: Conducting preliminary studies to ensure that the questions are understood as intended by respondents from various backgrounds.
Cultural Sensitivity Adjustment: Modifying the tool to be culturally appropriate and relevant for different populations to avoid bias in responses.
Reliability Testing: Checking the consistency of the responses over time (test-retest reliability) and across different items (internal consistency).
Validation Studies: Comparing SPA-2 results with other measures of accent perception, such as expert ratings or acoustic analysis, to ensure validity.

Bibliography

Munro, M. J., & Derwing, T. M. (1995). “Processing time, accent, and comprehensibility in the perception of native and foreign-accented speech.” Language and Speech, 38(3), 289-306.
Derwing, T. M., & Munro, M. J. (2009). “Putting accent in its place: Rethinking obstacles to communication.” Language Teaching, 42(4), 476-490.
Piller, I. (2002). “Passing for a native speaker: Identity and success in second language learning.” Journal of Sociolinguistics, 6(2), 179-206.
Lippi-Green, R. (2012). English with an Accent: Language, Ideology, and Discrimination in the United States. Routledge.
Gluszek, A., & Dovidio, J. F. (2010). “The way they speak: A social psychological perspective on the stigma of nonnative accents in communication.” Personality and Social Psychology Review, 14(2), 214-237.