Received pronunciation

Definition

Received pronunciation (RP) is a prestigious accent of British English, often associated with the upper class and the educated elite in the UK. It serves as a social marker, distinguishing speakers based on their perceived social status, education, and regional background, and plays a significant role in the broader landscape of language use and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Received pronunciation is not tied to any specific region but is rather a sociolect used mainly by the educated classes in England.
2. It is sometimes referred to as 'the Queen's English' or 'BBC English' due to its historical association with formal settings like broadcasting.
3. RP speakers are often perceived as having higher social status or greater authority, which can affect their interactions in professional and social contexts.
4. The use of received pronunciation has declined in recent years, reflecting changes in societal attitudes towards accents and class distinctions.
5. Despite its decreasing prevalence, RP remains an important part of discussions about linguistic diversity and social mobility in England.

Review Questions

• How does received pronunciation function as a social marker in British society?
  • Received pronunciation acts as a social marker by distinguishing speakers based on their accent, which is often linked to their education level and social class. Those who use RP are frequently perceived as more authoritative or socially elite, while those who speak with regional accents may be viewed differently. This accent distinction can influence interpersonal dynamics and opportunities in various social contexts, highlighting the role of language in reflecting and reinforcing social hierarchies.
• Analyze the impact of changing attitudes towards received pronunciation on contemporary British culture.
  • Changing attitudes towards received pronunciation have led to a growing acceptance of regional accents and a challenge to traditional notions of prestige associated with RP. This shift reflects broader societal changes that value diversity and inclusivity over rigid class distinctions. As people embrace various accents, it encourages a more egalitarian view of communication that recognizes the richness of linguistic diversity within contemporary British culture.
• Evaluate the implications of received pronunciation's decline for individuals seeking social mobility in Britain.
  • The decline of received pronunciation suggests that individuals seeking social mobility may no longer need to conform strictly to this accent to achieve success. As society becomes more accepting of diverse accents, people from various backgrounds can gain recognition and opportunities without adopting RP. However, while this change opens doors for many, it also presents challenges as biases against certain accents may still persist, impacting how individuals navigate social and professional environments.

Related terms

Accent: A distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language, often influenced by geographical or social factors.

Social Dialect: A variety of language associated with a particular social group, which may reflect socioeconomic status, education level, or regional background.

Code-Switching: The practice of alternating between different languages or dialects in conversation, often influenced by social context or audience.