Received Pronunciation

Overview of Received Pronunciation

Received Pronunciation (RP) is an accent of English traditionally associated with the upper classes in England. Historically, it was considered the ‘prestige’ accent and was widely used in broadcasting and education. However, its status has evolved significantly.

Key Concepts

RP is characterized by specific vowel sounds and consonant pronunciations. It is often contrasted with regional accents and is sometimes referred to as ‘BBC English’ or ‘Queen’s English’.

Deep Dive into RP Features

Notable features include the non-rhotic pronunciation (dropping the ‘r’ sound after a vowel), the vowel in ‘bath’ being pronounced with a long ‘ah’ sound, and the distinct diphthongs in words like ‘price’ and ‘choice’.

Applications and Influence

Historically, RP was essential for social mobility and professional advancement in certain fields. It influenced elocution and drama training, aiming for a clear and widely understood form of English.

Challenges and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that RP is spoken by the majority of British people or that it is a dialect. In reality, it’s a regional accent spoken by a small percentage, and its prestige has diminished.

FAQs about RP

• Is RP still the standard accent? No, its dominance has waned.
• Is RP only spoken in England? Primarily, yes, but it has influenced other accents.
• Is RP a dialect? No, it is an accent.