Kiara Advani’s ‘fake accent’ at Cannes 2024 is an example of ‘code-switching’: Understand the psychological phenomenon

Kiara Advani’s Cannes Film Festival experience goes beyond the red carpet. While her stunning pink and black gown garnered attention, it’s her interview that’s become a social media talking point.

A video circulating online shows Kiara speaking to the media at the Red Sea Film Foundation’s Women in Cinema gala dinner. The interview, intended to celebrate her first time at Cannes, has sparked discussion due to her noticeably different accent.

In the video, Kiara expresses her excitement: “It’s very humbling. It’s very, very humbling. It’s going to be a decade in my career now. So I think it comes at a very special moment as well. I’m truly so humbled to be here at Cannes for the first time and be honoured by the Red Sea Foundation for Women In Cinema. It’s just such a humbling experience.”

The focus, however, has shifted from her achievements to her pronunciation, with many on Reddit forums and Twitter calling it “fake” and “disappointing.” But Dr Pankaj Borade, a consultant psychiatrist, Ruby Hall Clinic, suggests it might be a case of code-switching.

Understanding code-switching

Code-switching, according to Dr Borade, is a natural human behaviour where we adjust our language, dialect, or even accent depending on the social context. Our brains are wired to adapt to different situations, and this can include how we speak. This shift in speech patterns can be driven by a desire to:

Be Understood: Kiara might have subconsciously adjusted her accent to ensure clear communication with an international audience.

Fit In: In the global film industry, a certain style of English might be perceived as the norm. Kiara’s accent could be an attempt to belong within that environment.

Project an Image: The film industry often involves projecting a specific image. Kiara’s accent choice might be influenced by the image she wants to cultivate at this prestigious event.

 

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Unconscious vs. intentional code-switching

Dr Borade emphasised that code-switching often happens without us even realising it. While it’s a natural tool for navigating social situations, it can sometimes have unintended consequences.

In Kiara’s case, the online reaction has been negative, with some perceiving her accent as “inauthentic,” Dr Borade said. This likely stems from the audience feeling like she’s trying to be someone she’s not.

Dr Borade suggests promoting understanding and empathy towards code-switching. It’s a reflection of an individual’s ability to navigate various social settings.

Can we control code-switching?

While code-switching is natural, Dr Borade acknowledges that some might want to be more aware of it. Here are some tips:

Self-awareness: Pay attention to how your speech patterns change in different situations.

Practice Consistency: If you’re comfortable with your natural way of speaking, practice using it confidently across various settings.

Seek Feedback: Ask trusted friends or colleagues for honest feedback on your communication style.

Mindfulness Techniques: Mindfulness exercises can help you become more aware of your speech patterns in the moment.

Ultimately, the key takeaway is that code-switching is a common and natural behavior. Understanding its purpose and being mindful of potential perceptions can help us navigate communication across diverse social settings.

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