November 10, 2003
Here's a cute article on the whole call center phenomenon, in all its globalized glory:
In India, which has been most successful in stealing call-centre business from the rich countries, companies teach their operators to understand American accents and imitate them. They watch American movies together, and those who can easily comprehend Sylvester Stallone's dialogue are said to be approaching perfection. Some companies try to create an American ambience by putting little American flags on the desks and providing pizza.Some people seem to find this offensive, but I don't mind it so much - it's the kind of globalized job that encourages education, which can only be a good thing in the long run. And on a personal level I'm serioiusly impressed with anyone who can learn a completely different accent just for a job in a call center!
Are they learning the Stallone accent?
"Thank you for calling Intermegaglobocom - this is Rasheed - Yo! Can I help youse?"
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