< img src="https://edugist.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FB_IMG_1775804609311.jpg"alt =""> A Teacher of Sociophonetics at Ajayi Crowther University, Bolanle Olufumbi Sogunro, has warned Nigerians versus overlooking their accents, stressing that pronunciation plays a critical role in forming social and professional chances.
Speaking at the institution’s 28th Inaugural Lecture, titled “‘Shorsh’, ‘Sors’ or ‘Church’– Who Cares? Accents and Linguistic Capital in Nigeria,” Sogunro described pronunciation as more than just a technical element of interaction, noting that it serves as a powerful social property.
According to her, people are typically judged the moment they start to speak, making accent and pronunciation essential determinants in how they are perceived in society.
“Your pronunciation is an asset, increase it,” she warned, including that listeners naturally make valuation about speakers based upon how they sound.
The professor cautioned that indifference towards one’s accent could have consequences, consisting of lessened social value and missed opportunities.
She further argued that linguistic expression, particularly pronunciation, works as a kind of “linguistic capital” that can either open doors or limitation access in different spheres of life.
Sogunro prompted Nigerians to pay closer attention to their speech patterns and buy improving their pronunciation, stressing its value in both personal development and wider social interactions.