< img src="https://edugist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FB_IMG_1775804609311.jpg"alt =""> A Professor of Sociophonetics at Ajayi Crowther University, Bolanle Olufumbi Sogunro, has actually alerted Nigerians against ignoring their accents, stressing that pronunciation plays a crucial role in shaping social and professional opportunities.
Speaking at the institution’s 28th Inaugural Lecture, entitled “‘Shorsh’, ‘Sors’ or ‘Church’– Who Cares? Accents and Linguistic Capital in Nigeria,” Sogunro explained pronunciation as more than just a technical aspect of interaction, keeping in mind that it functions as an effective social possession.
According to her, individuals are often judged the moment they begin to speak, making accent and pronunciation essential determinants in how they are perceived in society.
“Your pronunciation is a possession, increase it,” she cautioned, including that listeners instinctively make value judgments about speakers based upon how they sound.
The teacher warned that indifference toward one’s accent could have repercussions, consisting of diminished social worth and missed out on opportunities.
She even more argued that linguistic expression, particularly pronunciation, operates as a type of “linguistic capital” that can either open doors or limit access in various spheres of life.
Sogunro urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to their speech patterns and buy enhancing their pronunciation, highlighting its significance in both personal development and wider societal interactions.