Prof. Jill Hallett Interviewed on WBEZ
Introduction
Dr. Jill Hallett (Linguistics) was interviewed by WBEZ on the morning program Say More to discuss what makes a Chicago accent.
Dr. Hallett highlights how accent is shaped by social factors such as class, race, gender, region, upbringing, and media exposure. The key takeaway is that there is not the Chicago accent, but rather a Chicago accent—one of many ways of speaking that reflects the city’s complex social landscape.
https://www.wbez.org/say-more-with-mary-dixon-patrick-smith/2026/02/27/what-makes-a-chicago-accent
(Dr. Hallett’s segment begins at 18:21.)
Curious to learn more? Read this well-researched Block Club Chicago report, in which Dr. Hallett is also featured:
https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/06/26/what-does-the-chicago-accent-actually-sound-like/