just making notes, as I eat my breakfast in Hoylake Lights

why do people have accent, and how to they learn them, even without knowing they do it ?

+9

Accents develop from social interaction, geographic isolation, and the human drive to fit into a community, starting even before birth. People learn them unconsciously by mimicking the speech sounds, rhythms, and, intonation of caregivers and peers to build social bonds. Everyone has an accent; it is merely a reflection of your linguistic environment. 

University of Reading

University of Reading

 +4

Why People Have Accents

Social Identity & Connection: Accents are tools for social bonding. Humans are programmed to adopt speech patterns of those around them to fit in, similar to contagious yawning.

Geographic Isolation & History: Historically, when groups live in isolation, their language develops unique sounds. Over time, these differences in pronunciation form distinct accents based on cultural history.

Formative Years: Accents are heavily influenced by the community and peers during early childhood. The brain is most sensitive to these sounds during the first year of life. 

Reddit

Reddit

 +5

How People Learn Accents (Unconsciously)

Mirror Neurons: Neurophysiological research suggests that "mirror neurons" in the brain encourage us to subconsciously imitate the vocalizations and, movements of others, including accents.

Social Mimicry: We adapt our speech to match our social network (friends, family, and peers) as part of our, identity.

Prenatal Exposure: Research shows babies can detect speech patterns of their community from their cries, indicating learning starts before birth.

Adaptation: When moving to a new area, people often unconsciously change their accents to, blend in, a phenomenon called accommodation. 

University of Reading

University of Reading

 +4

Why People Don't Know They Do It

Neural Hardwiring: The brain stores early language experiences deep in, memory.

"Neutral" Perception: People often perceive their own accent as "neutral" or standard, while identifying others as having an accent.

Habitual Vocalization: The use of tongue, lips, and larynx becomes automatic through, childhood.