Received pronunciation

Definition

Received pronunciation (RP) is a prestigious accent of British English traditionally associated with the educated upper class and the media. It serves as a standard accent and is often viewed as an indicator of social class, education, and authority within the context of accents and dialects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Received pronunciation is often referred to as 'the Queen's English' or 'BBC English', highlighting its association with authority and media representation.
2. Although RP has historically been linked to the upper class, it has become less dominant in recent decades, with regional accents gaining acceptance in various spheres.
3. The accent is characterized by specific phonetic features, such as non-rhoticity, where the 'r' at the end of words isn't pronounced.
4. RP speakers may be perceived as more educated or sophisticated, influencing social dynamics and perceptions in personal and professional settings.
5. In performance and acting, mastering Received Pronunciation can be essential for portraying characters from specific social backgrounds or historical periods.

Review Questions

• How does received pronunciation influence perceptions of social class and education in contemporary British society?
  • Received pronunciation plays a significant role in shaping perceptions of social class and education in British society. Often associated with the upper class and elite institutions, individuals who speak RP may be viewed as more educated or authoritative. This can create barriers for those with regional accents, leading to biases that affect opportunities in education and employment, reinforcing the idea that language use is intertwined with social status.
• Discuss the phonetic characteristics that define received pronunciation and how these features distinguish it from other British accents.
  • Received pronunciation is characterized by several distinct phonetic features that set it apart from other British accents. One key characteristic is non-rhoticity, where the 'r' sound is often not pronounced at the end of words or before consonants. Additionally, RP features specific vowel sounds and intonation patterns that contribute to its unique sound. These characteristics make RP easily identifiable and contribute to its perception as a 'standard' British accent.
• Evaluate the impact of changing attitudes toward received pronunciation on acting practices in modern theater and film.
  • Changing attitudes toward received pronunciation have significantly impacted acting practices in modern theater and film. As regional accents gain visibility and acceptance, actors are encouraged to embrace their natural speech patterns rather than conforming strictly to RP. This shift reflects a broader cultural move towards inclusivity and authenticity in storytelling, allowing for more diverse character representations. Consequently, performances now often celebrate the richness of various British accents rather than adhering solely to traditional standards like RP.

Related terms

Accent: A distinct mode of pronunciation of a language, often associated with a specific geographical region or social group.

Dialect: A particular form of a language that is specific to a region or social group, encompassing variations in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Estuary English: A modern accent that blends features of Received Pronunciation and regional accents from the southeast of England, reflecting a shift in linguistic trends.