Voice matters: Social categorization and stereotyping of speakers based on sexual orientation and nationality categories. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fasoli, Fabio; Dragojevic, Marko; Rakić, Tamara; Johnson, Susie
• Is Part Of: Language & communication. Volume 90(2023)
• Page Start: 114
• Page End: 128
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Voice -- Social categorization -- Stereotyping -- Sexual orientation -- Accent; Communication -- Periodicals; Linguistics -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; Linguistics -- Periodicals; Communication -- Périodiques; Linguistique -- Périodiques; Communication; Linguistics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.langcom.2023.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-5309

Abstract

Abstract: This research examined how listeners categorize and stereotype speakers belonging to intersecting social categories (nationality; sexual orientation) based on voice alone. In Study 1, British heterosexuals categorized the nationality and sexual orientation of British and Italian speakers who self-identified as gay or heterosexual. Participants correctly categorized British speakers as co-nationals and Italian speakers as foreigners. Categorization accuracy of gay speakers' sexual orientation was poor. Italian gay speakers were perceived as most likely to be gay and non-native speakers. Study 2 examined stereotyping of speakers who sounded either native or foreign, and sounded either gay or heterosexual. Foreign-accented (vs. native-accented) speakers were rated as less competent, and gay-sounding (vs. heterosexual-sounding) speakers as less gender typical. Foreign-accented gay speakers were perceived as the least competent and gender typical. Highlights: Categorization of speakers as nationals/foreigners was accurate. Categorization of speakers' sexual orientation was poor. Foreign-accented (vs. native-accented) speakers were rated as less competent. Gay-sounding (vs. heterosexual-sounding) speakers were rated as less gender typical. Foreign-accented gay speakers were perceived as least competent and gender typical.