Received Pronunciation

Definition

Received Pronunciation (RP) is a prestigious accent of British English often associated with the educated upper class in England. It serves as a standard or reference accent and is widely recognized in media, education, and performance. RP is distinguished by its clear enunciation, absence of regional characteristics, and specific vowel and consonant pronunciations, making it an important point of study in understanding accents and dialects as well as their role in various forms of performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Received Pronunciation has historically been viewed as the accent of power and privilege in England, often associated with the BBC and public schools.
2. RP is not tied to a specific geographical area but rather represents a social class and educational level, making it a unique linguistic phenomenon.
3. The accent is characterized by non-rhoticity, meaning the 'r' at the end of words isn't pronounced unless followed by a vowel sound.
4. In recent years, there has been a shift in attitudes towards RP, with an increasing recognition of regional accents and dialects in media and public life.
5. Received Pronunciation can influence perceptions in performance settings, as actors often use it to portray characters from certain social backgrounds or historical periods.

Review Questions

• How does Received Pronunciation differ from regional accents in England, and what implications does this have for social identity?
  • Received Pronunciation stands apart from regional accents due to its association with the upper class and its non-regional nature. While regional accents reflect local identity and heritage, RP signifies social status and education. This distinction can affect how speakers are perceived socially, influencing both opportunities and biases based on their accent. Understanding this difference highlights the role of language in shaping identity and status within society.
• Discuss the role of Received Pronunciation in media representation and its impact on public perceptions of speakers with different accents.
  • Received Pronunciation plays a significant role in media representation as it is often seen as the 'standard' accent for broadcasting and formal communication. This can create biases against speakers with regional accents, who may be perceived as less credible or authoritative. The dominance of RP in media reinforces social hierarchies linked to language use, shaping public perceptions and potentially marginalizing diverse voices within society. As accents evolve and become more accepted in media, this dynamic is slowly changing.
• Evaluate the impact of Received Pronunciation on performance arts and how it influences character portrayal in theater and film.
  • Received Pronunciation significantly impacts performance arts by serving as a tool for character development and authenticity. Actors may adopt RP to embody roles representing the upper class or historical figures associated with privilege. This choice can enhance believability and audience engagement but may also reinforce stereotypes about social class. As the landscape of performance evolves to embrace diversity in accents, the reliance on RP raises questions about authenticity versus accessibility in storytelling.

Related terms

Dialect:

A particular form of a language that is specific to a region or social group, often encompassing distinct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Accent:

A manner of pronunciation characteristic of a particular individual, location, or nation, which can reveal information about a speaker's background.

Elocution: The skill of clear and expressive speech, which often involves training in pronunciation, tone, and delivery to enhance verbal communication.