received pronunciation
Noun: - The standard accent of British English: Received Pronunciation (RP) is the prestige, non-regional accent traditionally associated with educated speech in England, particularly in the South. It is often used as a model for teaching English as a foreign language. - An institutional standard: Historically, RP was the accent of the aristocracy, the "public schools" (private schools), and the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. For much of the 20th century, it was the standard pronunciation used by national broadcasters in the UK.
Received Pronunciation is used as a reference point for correct or standard speech. It is often discussed in contexts of linguistics, education, and social class. - The linguist analyzed the features of Received Pronunciation. - Many classic British films feature actors using Received Pronunciation. - Although less dominant now, Received Pronunciation is still taught in some language schools.
- "BBC Pronunciation": A term formerly used synonymously with RP when it was the broadcasting standard.
- The shift away from strict BBC Pronunciation reflects broader social changes.
- "Non-rhotic": A key feature of RP is being non-rhotic, meaning the 'r' sound is not pronounced after a vowel in words like "car" or "hard".
- Received Pronunciation is a non-rhotic accent.
- RP (abbreviation): The common abbreviation for Received Pronunciation.
- She speaks with a clear RP accent.
- General British (GB): A modern term increasingly used by linguists to describe a standard accent that has evolved from traditional RP, encompassing a wider range of acceptable features.
- General British is considered a more contemporary successor to RP.
- BBC English (historical synonym)
- The King's/Queen's English (a related, though broader, term often encompassing grammar and vocabulary as well as pronunciation)
- Standard Southern British English
It is critical to note that "Received Pronunciation" refers specifically to an accent (a pattern of pronunciation), not a dialect (which includes distinct grammar and vocabulary). It is one accent among many in the UK and is no longer the exclusive accent of media or the social elite, though it retains prestige.
- the approved pronunciation of British English; originally based on the King's English as spoken at public schools and at Oxford and Cambridge Universities (and widely accepted elsewhere in Britain); until recently it was the pronunciation of English used in British broadcasting