Accent Recognition Training

Accent Recognition and Decoding Training for Dispatchers and First Responders:

First Responders receive calls from individuals with a variety of accents and dialects, who are calling in distressed situations. Research has shown that listening to accents and dialects require focused training, without which the listening situation can be fraught with tensions, frustrations, linguistic and racial biases, further compounded by the cognitive load on the listener due to the distressing situation. While First Responders are trained to deal with the stresses, training focusing on improving the listening of features of accents is just as critical, yet typically not addressed.

This session will provide a short, but comprehensive overview of issues that come into play in cross-cultural communication. Using multimedia technology, a unique training experience will provide a focused program that builds listening skills to improve listening to accents, reduce bias, and improve overall cultural competence, as relevant for the work of First Responders.