Essex teens pressured to change accents: Colchester reacts

Research by Dr. Tara McAllister-Viel, from East 15 Acting School, explored how girls feel about their voices and identity.

The study used spoken word poetry to help them express their experiences.

Through writing and performing poetry, they discussed what it feels like to grow up in Essex. Many felt undervalued and misunderstood.

“These girls are at an exciting and formative time in their lives, but they feel their voices are often dismissed,” said Dr. McAllister-Viel.

Some said they even thought about taking accent reduction courses to sound “proper” and avoid being judged.

The girls also worry about how their accents might affect their futures.

One participant, who is proud to sound like her Essex-born mother, said she might feel the need to change her accent if she travels internationally.

Community members across Colchester shared their thoughts on this issue.

Stuart Braybrook, 45 (Image: Newsquest) Stuart Braybrook, 45, who is a special needs worker and lives in Stanway, said: “I think anyone of any age has gone through a time when they don’t understand the younger generation’s terminology and that includes the tone people take and the vocabulary they are using.

"It feels a shame this is happening because it completely misses the point of how to judge people on their actions. We all carry unconscious bias, but it’s not how other people speak but the way we interpret it – it’s the listener’s problem.”

Stefany Lussio, 20 (Image: NQ Reporter) New Colchester resident and nursing student Stefany Lussio, 20, said: “I wasn’t aware girls here feel this need.

"I thought it was only people who migrated here from different countries who felt the need to change accents to fit in. These girls should be proud; others should stop judging."

Shiv Vaishnav, 29 (Image: NQ Reporter) SHIV Vaishnav, 29, who lives and runs a business in the city centre, added: “I have a strong accent from India but have felt welcome.

"I think people from outside Essex create these stereotypes, which pressures these girls. In 2024, people should just let others be.”

Nina Sault, 61 (Image: NQ Reporter) Nina Sault, 61, who is retired and lives in the city centre, pointed to media influence: “I am an Essex girl myself, and I wouldn’t say I disagree.

"With any local accent – Suffolk, Birmingham, up north Manchester – people associate stereotypes. It’s a historical thing.

"Thanks to TV shows like TOWIE, Essex women are often portrayed as shallow and empty headed. These girls don’t want to be tagged as stupid, and so they feel pressure because of misrepresentation, and that needs to change”

Maria McNicol, 37 (Image: NQ Reporter) Maria McNicol, 37, a mother living in Magdalen Street, said: “It is very worrying to see that young girls feel the need to change how they sound to feel seen and heard.

"My little girl has no filter now, maybe because she’s unaware of any stereotypes. My message is you don’t need to change anything about yourself, and people should never be too quick to judge.”

Clifford Wood, 60 (Image: NQ Reporter) CLIFFORD Wood, 60, a painter who lives in Military Road, said: “I haven’t really seen this happen

"As a man with a strong accent, I never felt the need to change

"For young girls, it’s different, and it shouldn’t be this way.”