Yes, you can be an outstanding SLP with an accent or dialect. ASHA’s official policy states that accents and dialects are not disorders and don’t disqualify you from the field, as long as you can effectively communicate information and model correct sounds when necessary for treatment.
If you speak with an accent or dialect, you might wonder whether you can still pursue a successful career as a speech-language pathologist. The short answer is yes. Whether you’re a non-native English speaker or you grew up speaking a regional dialect, your linguistic background doesn’t prevent you from becoming an excellent SLP.
- Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
- Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) provides clear definitions that help us understand this topic. An accent is a phonetic trait from a person’s original language that carries over to a second language. A dialect refers to the set of differences that make one English speaker’s speech different from another’s. In our multicultural society, we interact with people who talk differently from us every day.
According to Dr. Paul Fogle, PhD, a professor emeritus and veteran speech-language pathologist who has authored several textbooks on communication sciences and disorders, students with accents or dialects can be outstanding iLPs. As long as you can form the same sounds in the dialect of English native to your patient, it’s possible that having an accent or dialect could even make you better at your job.
ASHA’s Official Position on Accents and Dialects
ASHA has established clear policies regarding students and professionals who speak English with accents and non-standard dialects. These position statements offer essential guidance for anyone concerned about entering the field with linguistic differences.
Core Policy Principles
Dr. Fogle’s perspective aligns perfectly with ASHA’s official stance. In our interview with him, he explained:
“An accent or dialect should not interfere as long as a student can learn the information and communicate that to clients, patients, and family members. When working with a child or adult who has some articulation problems, the accent or dialect must not interfere in producing the correct sound for the language that is being used or the language structure.”
ASHA’s position statement reinforces this perspective with several key points:
- Everyone has an accent or dialect – To not accept students or professionals into the SLP field because of their accent or dialect would be discriminatory
- No discrimination allowed – Members of ASHA cannot discriminate against those who speak with an accent or dialect in educational programs, employment, or service delivery
- Competence over pronunciation – Students and professionals in the SLP field who speak with accents or dialects can provide SLP services as long as they have the requisite level of knowledge, the expected level of diagnostic and clinical case management skills, and can correctly model the SLP aspect if modeling is necessary
Understanding English Dialects
ASHA released a separate position statement specifically addressing dialectal varieties of English. This statement makes essential clarifications:
- The English language has many linguistic varieties, including Black English, standard English, Appalachian English, southern English, New York dialect, and Spanish-influenced English
- No dialectal variety of English is a disorder or a pathological form of speech or language
- Each social dialect is adequate as a functional and practical variety of English
This means that whether you speak with a Southern drawl, a Boston accent, or English influenced by your native language, your speech pattern is recognized as a legitimate variety of English rather than something that needs to be “fixed.”
When Accents and Dialects Matter in SLP Practice
While ASHA’s policies are clear and supportive, it’s essential to understand the practical realities of working as an SLP with an accent or dialect. There are specific situations where your linguistic background might affect your practice, but these limitations are typically narrow and manageable.
Understanding the Practical Limitations
Let’s look at a specific example to understand when an accent might create limitations. If you’re a speech-language pathologist whose first language was Japanese and you have an accent that prevents you from saying the English “R” sound, this won’t exclude you from the profession. In the worst case, it means you shouldn’t work with clients who have problems with de-rhotacization (the ability to produce “R” sounds).
More likely, you’ll be able to work with all clients as long as you can model and teach proper rhotacization accurately. You might not produce the sound ideally in your own speech, but if you understand the mechanics and can effectively prepare the technique, you can still help clients develop this skill.
| Scenario | Impact on Practice | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot produce a specific English sound due to the accent | May need to avoid specialized cases involving that sound | Focus on other areas of SLP practice; refer particular cases to colleagues |
| Can teach sound mechanics, but doesn’t produce it naturally | Minimal to no impact | Use your knowledge of speech mechanics to guide therapy |
| Strong regional dialect | May be advantageous in the home region; neutral elsewhere | Consider practicing in a region where the dialect is standard or embrace it as part of your identity |
| Bilingual or multilingual background | Significant career advantage | Market this skill; pursue positions serving multilingual communities |
The Broad Scope of SLP Work
SLPs work with clients who have a wide range of issues beyond articulation. Even if you can’t work with clients who have specific articulation challenges related to sounds you don’t produce, this shouldn’t significantly impact your career. Speech-language pathology encompasses:
- Language disorders and delays
- Fluency disorders (stuttering)
- Voice disorders
- Swallowing and feeding difficulties
- Cognitive-communication disorders
- Social communication challenges
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
The diversity of speech and language disorders means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make a meaningful impact, regardless of any limitations related to your accent or dialect.
Real-World Experiences from SLPs with Accents
While ASHA’s official policies provide essential protections, it’s valuable to understand the real-world experiences of SLPs who have navigated graduate programs and professional practice with accents and dialects. These stories give both cautionary notes and encouragement.
Challenges in Graduate School and Early Career
Barbara Fernandes, a tri-lingual speech-language pathologist based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who writes for ASHA’s blog and maintains her own blog, shares candid experiences that don’t always align perfectly with ASHA’s official positions. In one of her blog posts, Fernandes gives several personal examples of how she faced statements from professors and clinical supervisors that ran counter to ASHA’s official policy.
Fernandes’ personal account included encounters with:
- A professor asked her, “How can you become an SLP with such an accent?”
- Another professor told her she had a speech disorder in front of her classmates.
- She was actively discouraged from pursuing a career in speech-language pathology.d
These personal experiences highlight an important consideration: not everyone in academia and clinical supervision is as educated, experienced, and professional as experts like Dr. Fogle. Despite official ASHA positions, those with accents and dialects may encounter questions and challenges that their standard American English colleagues won’t face. However, these represent individual experiences rather than systematic barriers across the profession.
Finding Supportive Environments
The encouraging aspect of Fernandes’ account is that she also had strong support from other professors who encouraged her to continue her graduate studies and not take the criticism personally. This support proved crucial to her success in the field.
She also recounts the story of another student: a bright woman from small-town Texas who was at the top of her class but had a pronounced Southern dialect. One professor from the Northeastern U.S. suggested that her dialect would significantly prevent her from getting a job after graduation. Fortunately, another professor overheard this comment and correctly reassured her that her dialect could actually work to her advantage if she planned to work in the local area.
The Professional Responsibility
Fernandes makes an essential point about professional responsibility. Because SLPs are among the few who have studied and understand the biological origins of accents and dialects, they have a duty to treat colleagues and other professionals with respect for linguistic diversity. As Fernandes states, “A dialect is more than just a form of English; it is part of who we are as cultural individuals and part of our identity.”
The Bilingual Advantage in Speech Pathology
If you’re bilingual or multilingual, your language skills represent a significant career advantage. The demand for bilingual speech-language pathologists continues to grow as the United States becomes increasingly diverse.
Market Demand for Bilingual SLPs
The demand for bilingual speech-language pathologists continues to grow significantly. While specific job listing numbers fluctuate, industry reports and anecdotal evidence from job platforms consistently show strong demand for bilingual SLPs nationwide. This demand reflects communities’ growing need for culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
| Language Combination | Demand Level | Primary Markets |
|---|---|---|
| English-Spanish | Very High | Nationwide, especially in the Southwest, Florida, California, and Texas |
| English-Mandarin | High | Major metropolitan areas, West Coast |
| English-Vietnamese | High | California, Texas, and major cities |
| English-Korean | Moderate to High | Major metropolitan areas, especially Los Angeles and New York |
| English-Arabic | Moderate | Major metropolitan areas in Michigan |
Why Bilingual Skills Matter
Being bilingual allows you to serve communities that might otherwise have limited access to appropriate speech and language services. Children and adults who are more comfortable in their native language can benefit tremendously from working with an SLP who speaks their language and understands their cultural background.
Your bilingual skills also enhance your clinical effectiveness in several ways:
- Accurate assessment – You can distinguish between an actual communication disorder and standard second-language acquisition patterns
- Cultural competence – You understand cultural factors that influence communication styles and family dynamics
- Family engagement – You can communicate directly with family members who may not speak English fluently
- Better rapport – Clients feel more comfortable and understood when working with someone who speaks their language
Career Opportunities and Specializations
Bilingual SLPs are often in high demand and can command competitive salaries. Your language skills open doors to various settings, including:
- School districts with large English Language Learner (ELL) populations
- Hospital systems serving diverse communities
- Private practices specializing in bilingual services
- Early intervention programs
- University clinics conducting bilingual research
Many employers specifically recruit bilingual SLPs and may offer hiring bonuses or higher starting salaries to attract candidates with needed language skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a speech pathologist if I have an accent?
Yes, you can absolutely become a speech pathologist with an accent. ASHA’s official policy states that everyone has an accent or dialect, and these linguistic differences don’t disqualify you from the field. As long as you have the requisite knowledge, clinical skills, and can effectively communicate with clients and model sounds when necessary for treatment, your accent won’t prevent you from having a successful SLP career.
What does ASHA say about SLPs with accents and dialects?
ASHA has clear position statements supporting professionals with accents and dialects. The organization states that discriminating against students or professionals because of their accent or dialect is not acceptable. ASHA recognizes that no dialectal variety of English is a disorder, and each social dialect is adequate as a functional and practical variety of English. The key requirement is that you can effectively provide services and model speech patterns when needed for clinical purposes.
Will my accent affect my ability to get an SLP job?
Your accent shouldn’t significantly affect your ability to get an SLP job, though experiences vary. While ASHA prohibits discrimination based on accents or dialects, some students have encountered challenges during graduate programs or early in their careers. If you’re bilingual, your language skills are actually a significant advantage, as there’s high demand for bilingual SLPs. Many employers actively seek out candidates who can serve diverse populations.
What if I can’t produce certain English sounds due to my accent?
If you can’t produce specific English sounds, you may need to avoid working with clients who have articulation issues involving those particular sounds. However, this typically has minimal impact on your career. Speech-language pathology covers a wide range of disorders, including language delays, fluency disorders, voice problems, swallowing difficulties, and cognitive-communication issues. Most SLPs with accents can teach sound production mechanics effectively, even if they don’t produce the sound ideally in their own speech.
Is being bilingual an advantage for speech pathologists?
Being bilingual is a significant advantage in speech pathology. Industry reports and job platform data consistently show strong demand for bilingual SLPs nationwide. Bilingual SLPs can better serve diverse communities, distinguish between language disorders and normal second-language development, communicate with families in their native language, and often command competitive salaries. Many school districts and healthcare systems actively recruit bilingual SLPs.
Do SLPs with accents face discrimination in graduate school?
While ASHA’s official policies prohibit discrimination, some students with accents or dialects have reported encountering discouraging comments from professors or clinical supervisors during their graduate training. Anecdotal accounts shared by professionals, such as bilingual SLP Barbara Fernandes, describe experiences including being questioned about their accents or facing inappropriate comments. However, many students also find supportive faculty members who understand ASHA’s policies and help them succeed. The profession is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of linguistic diversity, and these individual experiences don’t represent systematic barriers across all programs.
Should I try to change my accent to become an SLP?
No, you shouldn’t feel pressured to change your accent or dialect to become an SLP. Your accent is part of your cultural identity, and ASHA recognizes all dialectal varieties as legitimate forms of English. What matters is your ability to understand speech mechanics, teach therapeutic techniques, and communicate effectively with clients and families. Many successful SLPs maintain their accents throughout their careers. Focus on developing your clinical knowledge and skills rather than trying to eliminate linguistic characteristics that are part of who you are.
Key Takeaways
- ASHA supports SLPs with accents and dialects – Official policy states that accents and dialects don’t disqualify you from the field, and discrimination is prohibited
- Everyone has an accent – No variety of English is considered superior, and dialectal differences are recognized as legitimate rather than disorder.s
- Limited practical restrictions – You may need to avoid specific cases involving sounds you can’t produce, but this rarely impacts overall career success
- Bilingual skills are highly valuable – There’s strong demand for bilingual SLPs, with thousands of job openings specifically seeking multilingual candidates.tes
- Real-world experiences vary – While official policies are supportive, some students encounter challenges, but many also find strong advocates in graduate programs.
- Your accent is part of your identity – Rather than something to eliminate, your linguistic background can be an asset that helps you connect with diverse communities.
Ready to Start Your SLP Journey?
Don’t let concerns about your accent or dialect hold you back from pursuing a rewarding career in speech-language pathology. Explore accredited graduate programs that value diversity and prepare you for success.
- Emerson College - Master's in Speech-Language Pathology online - Prepare to become an SLP in as few as 20 months. No GRE required. Scholarships available.
- Arizona State University - Online - Online Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Science - Designed to prepare graduates to work in behavioral health settings or transition to graduate programs in speech-language pathology and audiology.
- NYU Steinhardt - NYU Steinhardt's Master of Science in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online - ASHA-accredited. Bachelor's degree required. Graduate prepared to pursue licensure.
- Pepperdine University - Embark on a transformative professional and personal journey in the online Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program from Pepperdine University. Our program brings together rigorous academics, research-driven faculty teaching, and robust clinical experiences, all wrapped within our Christian mission to serve our communities and improve the lives of others.