Examining the Relationship between Accent and Identity Among Iranian Upper-Intermediate EFL Learners and Their Attitudes Toward Pronouncing Local Words While Speaking in L۲

This paper investigates the relationship between accent and identity in EFL communication from the perspectives of Iranian second language (L۲) speakers/learners of English and their attitudes and preferences on pronouncing local words of their country while talking in L۲. Qualitative data of this study was collected using interviews with ten experienced postgraduate EFL teachers at upper-intermediate proficiency level. The findings revealed that participants had a complex understanding about the relationship between accent and identity in EFL contexts. In terms of identity-related reasons, participants’ desire to speak English with a native-like accent was found to be related to their wish to express their identities as competent L۲ speakers of English, whereas participants who indicated a preference to speak English with a local accent tended to emphasize the need to hold their cultural identities. The general conclusion of this study unveiled show off, educational policies, and psychological issues as the major reasons for pronunciation of local words in a self-made foreigner manner. Finally, some pedagogical implications were presented with the aim of informing teachers and learners.

Keywords:

accent , identity , local words , CDA.