English as a Global Language: The Case for Teaching Different Accents and Dialects

English isn’t just American or British. While many people picture a handful of familiar accents like those from the U.S., U.K., Australia, or Canada, English is spoken in a wide range of varieties across the world. It’s a global language, used by people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, often as a second or third language.

As English teachers, it’s essential to embrace this global reality by introducing different English accents and dialects into our classrooms. Doing so not only reflects how English is truly used worldwide – it also prepares students to communicate more confidently and effectively in real-world settings.

Want to dig deeper? Check out Bridge’s Micro-Credential course in Teaching English as a Global Language.

What’s the difference between an accent and a dialect?

The terms accent and dialect are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things. Understanding the difference can help us explain language variation more clearly to our students.

Accent = How words sound

An accent refers to how people pronounce words. Everyone has an accent, even in their first language. For example, someone from Tennessee might pronounce certain vowels differently than someone from California – both are speaking English, just with different regional accents.

Accents can also show up when someone speaks a second language, influenced by the sounds of their native language (e.g., a Spanish speaker speaking English with a Spanish accent). But accent is not limited to foreign languages. It’s simply a way of describing pronunciation.

Dialect = A whole way of speaking

A dialect is a broader term. It includes pronunciation and differences in grammar, vocabulary, and even sentence structure. For example:

“Y’all” in the southern U.S. is part of a regional dialect.
A British English speaker might say “I’ve got” where an American would say “I have.”

These differences are part of dialectal variation, not just accent.

Where does slang fit in?

Slang is a feature of a dialect, but it’s not a dialect itself. It refers to informal words or expressions used by certain groups or in specific contexts. Think of words like “cool,” “bae,” or “y’all.” Slang often comes and goes, while dialects are more stable over time.

Find out what renowned linguist David Crystal has to say about the future of English as a global language and the role of accents, AI, and slang.

Should I incorporate accents and dialects into English learning?

Absolutely. Incorporating different accents (and, where appropriate, dialects) into your English lessons is not just a good idea, it’s essential for preparing students to use English in the real world.

Here’s why:

English is a global language

Of the nearly two billion people who speak English worldwide, only about 375 million are native speakers. That means your students are far more likely to use English with other non-native speakers than with native ones.

If students are only exposed to one “standard” variety – like American or British English – they may struggle to understand other accents and communication styles they’ll encounter in international settings.

It prepares students for real-world communication

Whether your students are learning English to work at a global company, study abroad, or travel, they’ll benefit from listening practice with a range of accents. This builds confidence, improves comprehension, and helps them become more adaptable communicators.

Encourage students to explore English as it’s spoken around the world, not just in textbooks or standardized tests. It can also be motivating for students to hear speakers who sound like them.

What accents should I include in my lessons?

Start with your own! Whether you’re a native or non-native English speaker, your accent is a valuable model. At the same time, make space for your students to hear a variety of English accents—especially those they’re likely to encounter in real-world interactions.

This could include:

Regional varieties (e.g., Scottish, Indian, South African English)
Non-native speaker accents (e.g., Spanish-English, Chinese-English)
Different dialect regions within your own country

You can use course materials, video clips, podcasts, interviews, or even invite guest speakers to help expose your students to different ways English is spoken around the world. Encouraging students to explore and even try out other accents can build confidence and make pronunciation practice more fun and dynamic.

What is global English?

Global English, sometimes called International English, refers to the way English is used worldwide by both native and non-native speakers as a common language for communication.

This includes:

Native speaker to non-native speaker communication
Non-native speaker to non-native speaker communication (which is actually the most common!)

Global English isn’t about sounding like a native speaker. It’s about being clear, adaptable, and effective when communicating across cultures.

Why is this important?

Because in today’s world, English is a lingua franca – a shared language used between speakers of different native languages. That means your students will regularly encounter a wide range of accents, and they need the skills to navigate that.

By incorporating diverse English accents into your lessons, you’re helping students:

Improve their listening comprehension
Develop flexible communication skills
Build the confidence to speak English in any context

Explore 10 tips for teaching English as a global language.

How can I teach different accents in my ESL classes?

One of the most effective ways to expose students to a range of English accents is through audio and video materials. Listening activities give students a chance to hear authentic voices and practice real-world comprehension skills.

For intermediate and advanced learners, try activities that involve identifying accents and analyzing pronunciation features. For lower-level learners, simpler games like “Guess the Accent” can build listening skills in a fun, low-pressure way.

Example activity: Accents Around the World

This activity is adapted from the Bridge Micro-credential in Teaching English as a Global Language.

This activity helps students develop awareness of the wide range of English accents spoken around the world. By noticing pronunciation differences, students learn to appreciate English as a global language and build confidence communicating with speakers from diverse backgrounds.

• Level: Adaptable for all levels
• Skills: Listening, observation, discussion
• Format: Pairs or small groups

Objectives

By the end of this activity, students will be able to:

• Recognize and identify different English accents
• Describe key features of various accents (intonation, rhythm, pronunciation)

Materials

• A video compilation featuring multiple English accents (search YouTube for “English accents around the world” or similar terms)
• A worksheet or note-taking guide tailored to your learners’ level
  • Beginner: basic checklist (e.g., country, familiar/unfamiliar sounds)
  • Intermediate/Advanced: more open-ended observations or specific features (e.g., dropped consonants, vowel shifts)

Procedures

1. Lead-in discussion: Ask students what English accents they’ve heard before. What stood out to them? Were any difficult to understand?
2. Pre-teach nationalities: List relevant countries/regions on the board.
3. Explain the task: Students will listen not for meaning, but for differences in pronunciation. Their goal is to identify and describe the accents.
4. Group work: Put students in pairs or small groups and distribute the worksheet.
5. Play the video: Encourage replaying segments as needed.
6. Note-taking: Students write down what they notice – specific sounds, rhythm, or unique pronunciation patterns.
7. Group discussion: Have pairs or groups compare their notes and complete the worksheet.
8. Class debrief: Come back together to discuss. What was surprising? What accents were familiar or new? Which were easier or harder to understand?

More ways to bring accents into your classroom

Here are some additional, practical strategies for helping students explore English accents and embrace language diversity:

Teach your own pronunciation and be transparent about it.

Let students know where your accent comes from, whether you’re a native or non-native speaker. Normalize the idea that everyone has an accent!

Celebrate students’ language backgrounds.

Ask students to demonstrate how English is spoken with the influence of their first language. This works in both monolingual and multilingual groups and encourages pride in their own identity.

Foster a non-judgmental classroom culture.

Make it clear that no one variety of English is “better” or more correct than another. Different accents exist both across and within countries, and all are valid forms of communication.

Make accent exploration interactive.

Have students name, imitate, or role-play different English accents in a lighthearted way. This can spark curiosity and laughter while also building awareness.

Use a variety of voices in your materials.

Incorporate short video or audio clips featuring diverse English accents. Use course resources, podcasts, YouTube interviews, or even recordings from fellow teachers at your school.

Want to help your students embrace fluency over perfection? Read this next: The Case for Celebrating Fluency in Conversational English.

How can we increase acceptance of accents in the global community?

In a truly global English-speaking community, recognizing and respecting a wide range of accents is essential. As teachers, we play a key role in promoting the idea that no one accent or variety of English is inherently better or more correct than another.

English is for everyone

English is no longer tied to one region or culture. It’s a shared global language spoken by people from all walks of life, often as a second or third language. It has no central regulatory body, which means there’s no single “correct” way to pronounce words or use grammar.

We can help our students understand that their voice, way of speaking, and even their accent are valid. English belongs to everyone who uses it.

Focus on communication, not perfection

Instead of stressing over minor grammar slips or accent differences, focus on what matters most: Can students communicate their message clearly and understand others in return?

Being an effective English speaker isn’t about mimicking a native accent. It’s about feeling confident, being understood, and adapting to real-world communication.

After all, most English learners won’t just be speaking with native speakers – they’ll be talking with people from around the world, each with their own way of using English.

Want to bring this perspective into your teaching? Learn more in the Bridge Micro-credential course on Teaching English as a Global Language.