The Scottish accent, particularly the Glaswegian dialect, is often perceived as challenging to understand. However, a new study suggests that this very accent might offer an unexpected benefit: faster language learning.
Research from Preply indicates that the distinct rhythm and cadence of Glaswegian speech aligns with languages such as German and Dutch. These languages emphasize syllables and guttural sounds, which can be crucial for conveying meaning. This alignment may make it easier for Glaswegian speakers to adapt to languages with similar speech patterns.
Anna Pyshna, a spokesperson at Preply, explained that accents can aid language learning by training the ear to recognize and reproduce sounds. The study also highlighted other British accents, including Geordie, Scouse, and Brummie, each possessing unique phonetic traits that support language learning in different ways. For example, the glottal stop in the Geordie accent can assist with languages like Danish and Hebrew.
To further explore these findings, Preply has launched a Spotify series featuring accent-based sleep soundscapes. These soundscapes use Geordie, Scouse, Glaswegian, and Brummie voices. The aim is to boost language retention through passive auditory learning. Studies show that the brain can form new linguistic associations during deep sleep, particularly when exposed to familiar phonetic rhythms.