Does Accent Matter?: The Pygmalion Factor

This is a study of the influence of accent in Britain today. It looks at such questions as "Can job prospects be affected by a candidate's accent?", "Why are some accents more popular than others?" and "Should our schools concern themselves with their pupils' accents?" The author explores our subconscious reactions to the different varieties of English pronunciation and argues that only a uniform accent can reduce the levels of misunderstanding and prejudice that currently prevail. The book shows how the prevailing attitudes have helped or hindered such public figures as Terry Wogan, Janet Street Porter, Margaret Thatcher and members of the Royal family.