Children Don’t Just Learn to Speak I Personal Story of Accent Bias

“Children Don’t Just Learn to Speak. They Also Learn to Be Ashamed of How They Speak.”

A Personal Story of Accent Bias — and Why It’s Time We Change the Way We Listen to Our Children

By Neeraj K. | DEneeraj Multi-lingual Services® (DMS)

I still remember the sting of that moment in Class 7 — a memory that has stayed with me for years. I had said something in class. It wasn’t incorrect. But as soon as I spoke, a group of classmates burst into laughter. Not because I was wrong — but because I didn’t sound “right.” That was the first time I felt something was “off” about me — not in my mind, not in my ideas, but in my accent.

My father served in the Indian Army, which meant our family moved frequently across the country. From remote places to bustling metro cities, I had seen it all. One of our longest postings was in Kolkata, where I attended a school filled with students from every corner of India — a rich tapestry of languages, cultures, and dialects. But despite this diversity, there was an unspoken hierarchy of accents.

I came from a background where English wasn’t the primary language spoken at home. While my grammar was correct, my speech carried a strong Mother Tongue Influence (MTI). Somehow, that one trait overshadowed everything else about me. I was no longer seen as the curious learner or the hardworking student. Instead, I became — simply and mockingly — “the one who speaks funny.”

Accent Bias Begins Early — And Hurts Deep

The damage of accent bias begins not in adulthood, but in childhood — at an age when children are still discovering who they are. Every comment, every giggle, every sarcastic correction plants a seed. For me, the message that got planted was clear: “Your accent is your flaw.”

What I experienced wasn’t bullying in the traditional sense. It wasn’t loud or violent. It was more subtle and insidious. A smirk when I read aloud. A sarcastic tone when someone corrected me. A mocking nickname based on the rhythm of my speech. Over time, this quiet ridicule started to shape my behavior. I began to speak less, rehearse every sentence silently, and avoid reading in class. I became hesitant to participate, even when I knew the answer. And that’s the most dangerous part of accent bias: it doesn’t just affect how a child speaks — it shapes how they see themselves. It chips away at their self-esteem, their confidence, and their willingness to be heard.

Regional Identity Is Beautiful. Accent Bias Is Not.

Let’s be absolutely clear: being from a specific region, speaking a certain dialect, or carrying a cultural identity is not — and never should be — a disadvantage. But unfortunately, society often conflates language with intelligence and accent with ability. And children pick up on these signals early.

Accent bias doesn’t just exist in classrooms. It’s embedded in our television, our media, our jokes, and even our compliments. It sends a cruel message to children: All of this reinforces the dangerous idea that only one kind of English is acceptable — polished, urban, neutral, often Westernized. But that’s not inclusion. That’s erasure.

Children Don’t Just Learn to Speak I They Also Learn to Be Ashamed of How They Speak I A Personal Story of Accent Bias I By Neeraj K. | DMS

From Pain to Purpose — My Journey to Voice Training

That shy, embarrassed boy from Class 7? He grew up to become a voice trainer and communication coach. Today, I have the privilege of helping thousands of students and professionals speak with clarity, confidence, and most importantly — authenticity. But let me say this clearly: I did not become a voice coach to change how people speak. I became one to change how we treat people who speak differently. The goal of my work is not to remove accents. The goal is to remove shame. Through DEneeraj Multi-lingual Services® (DMS), I now run powerful training programs that empower children, teens, and adults to:

• Understand their Mother Tongue Influence (MTI) — not as a weakness, but as a starting point.
• Learn clarity and pronunciation without losing their cultural identity.
• Build confidence in expressing themselves in any language.
• Develop respect and appreciation for all accents and dialects.
• Speak with pride, not with apology or hesitation.

What Schools and Parents Must Understand

Accent bias is not just a personal problem — it’s an institutional one.
Many schools, often without realizing it, reward one kind of English — the crisp, convent-style version — while undermining or mocking others as “vernacular” or “improper.”

The consequences are serious:

• Children start mimicking others in an effort to fit in — often at the cost of their natural flow.
• Those who can’t imitate well start to believe they are less intelligent or capable.
• Teachers, often unknowingly, favor students who speak in a “refined” way, creating classroom inequality.
• Language turns from being a bridge of communication to a barrier of discrimination.

We must stop telling children to “speak properly” without taking the time to explain what that means — and more importantly, without acknowledging the beauty in how they already speak.

What Happens When Accent Bias Goes Unchecked

The long-term effects of accent bias go beyond childhood. They show up in adulthood, in the workplace, in relationships, and in mental health. Some of the damaging consequences include:

• Low self-esteem in communication
• Anxiety around public speaking or group discussions
• Career disadvantages — especially in roles that require presentations or interviews
• A deep-seated belief that their voice doesn’t matter as much as others’

But the most tragic impact of all? Silence.
Bright, talented, opinionated children begin to stay quiet — afraid that one “wrong” syllable will invite ridicule. That silence becomes a habit. It follows them to college classrooms, job interviews, and conference rooms.

And society misses out on their brilliance — simply because we didn’t make space for how they spoke.

The Way Forward: Clarity Without Conformity

Now imagine a different future. What if we gave children the tools to speak clearly — but never made them feel ashamed of their background? What if voice training wasn’t about sounding “correct,” but about sounding confident?

At DMS, we’re building that future. We work with schools, educators, and learners to design programs that:

• Create safe speaking spaces, where children can practice without fear.
• Offer accent neutralization — not to erase roots, but to aid in clarity.
• Conduct interactive voice and diction training that celebrates individuality.
• Introduce reflective storytelling and speech-building workshops to improve expression.
• Host peer awareness sessions that tackle speech-based bullying and create a culture of inclusion.

Because when a child learns to trust their voice, it becomes their superpower — one that opens doors, builds bridges, and inspires others.

My Message to Every Child Who’s Been Mocked for Their Accent

To every child who’s ever been laughed at for the way they speak:
I see you. I understand you. I was you. And I  want to tell you this — your voice matters. Don’t let anyone define your worth by a sound. Don’t let your accent become your apology. And never, ever stop speaking up. Because someday, your voice will guide others. It will help someone else who’s afraid to speak. It will change minds. It might even change the world. Just like mine eventually did.

Let’s Raise a Generation That Listens Better

Accent bias doesn’t appear suddenly in the boardroom or the job interview. It starts early — in schoolyards, classrooms, TV shows, and everyday conversations at home. That’s why we must begin early. We must teach children not just grammar and vocabulary, but also respect and kindness. Not just how to speak, but how to listen — without judgment. If you’re a parent, teacher, or school leader, I invite you to reimagine language education. Not as correction — but as celebration. Not as an effort to standardize — but to empower. And to every child who feels different — know this: You do not need to sound like them to succeed. You only need to sound like yourself — clearly, confidently, and proudly.

Want to Bring the Accent Awareness & Empowerment Program to Your School?

At DMS, we’re committed to building a future where every child’s voice is valued.
If you’re an educator, school counselor, or parent, and you believe in the power of confidence over conformity, let’s talk.  Reach out to explore how we can bring custom accent training, inclusion workshops, and safe speaking spaces to your classrooms. Because the future deserves more voices. And every voice deserves to be heard.

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Mastering the Art of Effective Communication: At the heart of personal and professional success lies the art of effective communication. DMS recognizes this fundamental skill and tailors programs like “English for Kids,” “British English for Kids,” and “American Accent Training for Kids & Teens” to ensure that young learners not only become proficient in language but also develop the ability to communicate with precision and impact.

Course Overview:

• Duration: 22 Hours (typically conducted over several weeks)
• Age Group: Ideal for children aged 6 to 17 years old
• Prerequisite: Completion of the DMS Foundation Level program
• English Variants: Choose between US or British English, depending on your child’s preference or academic needs.
• Class Size: Small, interactive classes to ensure personalized attention.

Course Highlights:

1. Advanced Pronunciation and Accent Refinement: Building on the foundational skills acquired in the DMS Foundation Level program, we delve deeper into perfecting pronunciation and accent, tailored to either US or British English.
2. Voice Enhancement: Children will further develop voice control, pitch, tone, and expression, enabling them to engage and captivate their audience effectively.
3. Advanced Public Speaking: Students will refine their public speaking abilities, gaining confidence in presenting to both small and large groups.
4. Interactive Debates and Discussions: Encouraging critical thinking and persuasive speaking, our course includes engaging debates and discussions to hone your child’s argumentative skills.
5. Literary Analysis and Expression: We explore classic and contemporary literature, encouraging children to analyze and express their thoughts eloquently.
6. Cultural Context: Depending on the chosen English variant, students will also delve into the cultural nuances of either US or British English, further enriching their language skills.

Course Benefits:

• Mastery of US or British English Elocution
• Enhanced Confidence in Public Speaking
• Advanced Communication Skills
• Improved Academic Performance
• Increased Cultural Awareness

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Confidence Through Public Speaking: Public speaking is a skill that transcends the boundaries of conventional education. DMS’s “Public Speaking for Kids” course is meticulously designed to instill confidence in young minds, empowering them to articulate thoughts and ideas with poise. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, children develop the confidence needed to express themselves in diverse settings.

Invest in your child’s linguistic and communication journey today! Enroll them in the DEneeraj Multi-Lingual Services® (DMS) Children’s US or British English Elocution Course – Cultivate Captivating Speech.

Contact us now to inquire about course fees, schedules, and enrollment details.

Elevate your child’s language and communication skills, setting them on a path to confident and articulate expression in either US or British English!

The best and surest way to refine your public speaking skills is to practice it all the time. But once you master it that automatically enables you to win in all other aspects of life. The requisite speaking skills are bestowed on everyone, which is the result of constant refinement of personal and linguistic attributes. Deneeraj Multi-lingual services™ courses and workshops are designed to help you understand that the greater your oratory depth and courage, the more you stand out from your peers. The search for fundamental skills and techniques to practice and master Public Speaking Training in India –has a big influence on your confidence and also the expressiveness of your thoughts and communications. DEneeraj Multi-lingual services™ Public Speaking Courses, Sessions, Seminars & Workshops in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Lucknow, and Noida.

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Our Public Speaking sessions, courses, and seminars at different locations will help you develop and ameliorate a captivating and engaging Public Speaking style, leading to amazing outputs for you and your organization. Join Our  Voice and Accent Training in Mumbai and other cities.

One-day seminar/workshop –Improve your public speaking through Storytelling

Our workshops start with many in-house evaluation methods, and then we built on where you are and cover sophisticated techniques like analytical skills. We encourage you to give a speech at the end of the workshops. A video recording of that speech is given to you for home review.

DEneeraj Multi-lingual services™ Public Speaking workshops & program in Delhi, you and your organization expand Public Speaking & communication, our one one-on-one public speaking and presentations sessions are clubbed with other requisite soft skills that will make you superman in your workplace.

Our experiential Training courses and programs are about creating awareness and helping you to communicate through effective body language. We must recognize that Body Language is Language; it simply means you can communicate more accurately when verbal and nonverbal communicational tools complement each other.

The Most sought-after skills you must learn NOW:

• Communication skills Online Training
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At DEneeraj Multi-lingual services® (DMS), we’re big fans of creative ways to teach Coherent, Confident Communication Skills that are Engaging, Influential, & Enjoyable. Our workshops are an invitation to “learn, practicing and succeeding in Languages, Dialects, Skills, Voice and Accents”.

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DEneeraj Multi-lingual services™ (DMS) as a company is built for learners, trainers, and linguists by the best in the field, so we thought we would share some of our tips with you, to help you create an engaging, unforgettable experience for your participants. By these insights and experience, you can start Dominating Your Industry: How to Become the Best in Your Field.

All our courses and training programs are customized. By tailoring each course to your participants, you will find that your results will increase a thousand-fold. Our dedicated team uses examples, case studies, anecdotes, and stories that are relevant to the group. We screen, Identify, and evaluate whether all participants are strangers or whether they work together. We tailor our approach accordingly. We know that different people have different learning styles so we use different types of activities to address it. Our experiential Training courses and programs are about creating awareness and helping you to communicate through effective body language. We must recognize that Body Language is Language; it simply means you can communicate more accurately when verbal and nonverbal communicational tools complement each other.

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