Many people believe there is a simple solution to language bias.
Speak clearly.
Avoid mistakes.
Lose the accent.
In other words: speak “perfect English.”
But for millions of people, speaking perfect English is still not enough.
The Myth of Perfect English
“Perfect English” is often treated as a finish line.
Once you reach it, the thinking goes, bias disappears.
Opportunities open.
Belonging follows.
But this belief ignores a crucial truth:
language bias is not about correctness — it’s about perception.
People are rarely judged only on grammar or vocabulary. They are judged on sound, tone, and familiarity.
When Fluency Doesn’t Equal Acceptance
Many bilingual and immigrant Americans speak flawless English.
They:
- Earn degrees
- Lead meetings
- Write professionally
- Communicate clearly
And still hear:
- “Where are you from?”
- “Is English your first language?”
- “You don’t sound like I expected.”
These moments reveal that fluency alone does not erase difference.
Accent Bias Doesn’t Disappear With Proficiency
Accent bias persists even when English is spoken perfectly.
Why?
Because accents are not errors.
They are markers of identity.
A person can follow every grammatical rule and still be judged based on how familiar their accent sounds to others.
This is why people are told:
- To neutralize their accent
- To sound more “professional”
- To adjust their tone
Not because they are unclear — but because they are marked.
Language as a Moving Goalpost
For many people, language expectations shift constantly.
First, the goal is fluency.
Then, it’s pronunciation.
Then, it’s tone.
Then, it’s style.
Each time one expectation is met, another appears.
This moving goalpost makes it clear: the issue was never language alone.
The Emotional Cost of Trying to Be “Enough”
Trying to meet ever-changing language expectations takes a toll.
People report:
- Constant self-editing
- Anxiety around speaking
- Fear of being misunderstood
- Pressure to sound “neutral”
Speaking becomes performance — not expression.
This is especially true for people navigating a bilingual identity, where language is tied to family, culture, and memory.
When “Perfect English” Is Still Seen as Foreign
Even when English is perfect, some speakers are still treated as outsiders.
Why?
Because identity is not erased by fluency.
Race, accent, name, and appearance all interact with language — shaping how someone is perceived regardless of skill.
This is why “perfect English” does not guarantee acceptance.
What This Reveals About Language and Power
The persistence of language bias shows that:
- Language standards are not neutral
- Professional norms are culturally shaped
- Belonging is often conditional
If perfect English were truly enough, bias would disappear at fluency. It doesn’t.
Rethinking What Belonging Requires
Belonging should not require perfection.
It should not demand erasure.
It should not depend on conformity.
Recognizing that speaking perfect English is still not enough helps shift the conversation away from individual effort and toward systemic bias.
Because the problem was never how well people speak.
It was who was allowed to belong in the first place.
About the Author
José Martínez is a journalist and author who writes about language, identity, and belonging. He is the author of Your English Is Great, But…, a book exploring accent bias, bilingual identity, and the hidden meaning behind everyday compliments.
👉 Your English Is Great, But… is available now on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Your-English-Great-But-Languages/dp/B0FHBJKJ6R
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