It is a deep-rooted but unfair stereotype that individuals with dialects are less than professional in formal settings. Dialects are a natural way for people to speak and are part of their identity, culture, and community. But unfortunately, persistent prejudices and attitudes that favor standard languages often lead to the suppression or erasure of dialects. Dialects should not be confused with professionalism. A person’s dialect does not determine their intelligence, ability, or knowledge. In fact, many individuals with dialects are experts and professionals in their fields. Being able to effectively switch between different contexts and registers (a process called register shifting) is important, but it is not a reason to suppress or abandon their dialect. It is important to note that linguistic normativity—the idea that some languages or dialects are better or more “standard” than others—is often a product of social and cultural biases. Such language attitudes can lead to: 1. Power dynamics: Certain dialects are favored or prioritized because of their association with the dominant culture or power structures, perpetuating social inequalities. 2. Stifling of creativity and self-expression: Suppression of dialects can lead to cultural homogenization and the loss of individual voices. 3. Racism and prejudice: Dialects of specific groups are often stigmatized or associated with specific social or economic statuses, perpetuating negative stereotypes. To overturn these prejudices, we must: 1. Recognize and respect linguistic diversity: Acknowledge that dialects are an important part of our rich and cultural heritage. 2. Reframe dialect stereotypes: Challenge long-standing assumptions that dialects are unprofessional or substandard language. 3. Foster an inclusive communication environment: Encourage people to use their dialects in a variety of contexts and provide tools to support their language choices. Ultimately, people’s dialects should not be confused with their expertise or abilities. We should strive to create a more inclusive and accepting environment where individuals can express themselves proudly without fear of being judged or marginalized.