<Before watching>

 

• The title of the video is “language and race.” In what ways do you think language and race are connected or not connected?
• Some English schools provide so-called “accent reduction” training. What does that mean, and whose English does it aim to teach?

 

— While watching, take notes on anything that interests, strikes, or puzzles you.—

 

<Discussions/Reflections>

 

• What did you learn from this episode? Did you find anything interesting or surprising while watching it?
• Did anything in the episode resonate with your personal experiences?
• Has this episode influenced your perspectives toward communication? If so, how? If not, why not?
• Have you ever assumed a person could or could not speak a particular way based on their country of origin or their physical appearance?
• Have you ever challenged (or called out) someone for making an assumption about someone’s language based on their appearance? 
• Have you ever felt marginalized in speaking English? ?  If so, was it related to your racial background? 
• What are the pros and cons of using subtitles (transcripts) for this video?

 

<Further Questions>

 

• Have you ever complimented someone you met for the first time on the way they speak English or been complimented by someone on the way you speak English? What are the assumptions behind the compliment? What effects does it have?
• Is making assumptions or using stereotypes about the relationship between language and race acceptable in comedy? Why and why not?