What term describes a way of pronouncing words that indicates the place of origin or social background of the speaker?

The term that best describes a way of pronouncing words that conveys the speaker's place of origin or social background is "accent." An accent refers specifically to the pronunciation patterns of an individual or group, which can reveal geographic origins, cultural influences, or social class. People may have distinct accents based on the region they hail from, and these accents can vary even within the same language.

Dialect, while related, encompasses more than just pronunciation; it includes unique vocabulary, grammar, and expressions specific to a particular group or region. Intonation refers to the variation in pitch while speaking and does not pertain specifically to the origin of speech. Emphasis relates to the stress placed on certain syllables or words, which can also vary but is not indicative of one's geographic or social background. Thus, while all these terms pertain to aspects of speech, "accent" most accurately captures the idea of pronunciation linked to one's identity.