Philosopher Links Linguistic Shame to Colonialism

Why this is here: Chris actively practiced modifying his mouth movements—opening and closing it in specific ways—to diminish his Mexican accent while preparing to live in the United States.

Mariana Alessandri explores how the desire to alter one’s accent stems from the lasting effects of colonialism in an essay published in Mexico. She recounts a friend, Chris, who grew up in Mexico but practiced speaking without his Mexican accent in front of a mirror after moving to the United States. He experienced verbal abuse as a child for not speaking perfect English and even a threat of deportation for not responding in English.

Alessandri notes this experience reflects “linguistic shame”—a feeling of wanting to erase one’s accent. While self-help resources might encourage individuals to embrace their accents, they do not address the societal stigma that causes this shame. Philosopher Samuel Ramos theorized that a sense of inferiority among Mexicans originated with Spanish colonization in the 16th century.

Ramos observed a desire for dominance coupled with anxiety about asserting individuality, linking these feelings to a historical trauma that left a lasting psychological mark. The essay suggests that feelings of inadequacy are not simply personal, but are deeply connected to a shared, colonial past. The work continues to unpack these connections and their ongoing impact.