Received Pronunciation: Complete Course
Learn the accent spoken by British newsreaders, presenters, journalists, and the top British actors in Hollywood.
This course teaches the standard accent used by British broadcasters, actors, and international professionals. It moves systematically from the isolation of individual sounds to complex sentence structures, balancing theory with practical drills.
The Methodology: Conscious Reconstruction
Native speakers acquire their accent unconsciously as children. As an adult learner, you cannot rely on intuition. You must learn the accent consciously.
Most students fail because they filter English sounds through their native language’s phonetic system. This causes “approximate” pronunciation (e.g., substituting a native vowel for an English one).
This course aims to bypass that tendency. We focus first on Input and Recognition. Before you can produce the sound, you must be able to distinguish it with precision. We analyze the specific “micro-movements” of the jaw, lips, and tongue that native speakers take for granted.
The Instructor's Perspective
I developed this method not just as a teacher, but as a learner. During my time achieving proficiency in Japanese and Korean, I realized that “listening and repeating” was insufficient. To truly master a foreign sound system, I had to understand the physical mechanics of articulation. I apply this same rigorous approach to teaching English pronunciation.
Course Overview
Part 1: The Tools of Phonetics
We begin by learning the standard frameworks used by linguists to define sound.
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): A visual representation of every sound, eliminating spelling confusion.
The Vowel Sound Chart: A grid that maps exactly where the tongue must be positioned for every vowel.
Part 2: The 44 Phonemes (Isolation)
We analyze the 20 Vowel Sounds and 24 Consonant Sounds of Received Pronunciation. For each sound, we determine:
Tongue Position: High vs. Low, Front vs. Back.
Lip Shape: Rounded vs. Unrounded.
Aspiration: The release of air (crucial for stops like /p/, /t/, /k/).
Part 3: Identification & Differentiation
Before drilling, we test your ear. Can you hear the difference between similar phonemes? We use “Minimal Pair” exercises to isolate the target sound from common errors.
Part 4: Stress & Rhythm (The Schwa)
A British accent relies heavily on the contrast between “Stressed” and “Unstressed” syllables.
We focus on the Schwa (/ə/), the most common sound in English, which allows for the natural, flowing rhythm of RP.
We practice Vowel Reduction, ensuring you do not over-pronounce weak syllables.
Part 5: Muscle Memory & Automation
Knowledge is not fluency. To speak naturally, the physical movement must be automated. We use high-repetition drills to train the articulators (lips, tongue, jaw) to move correctly without conscious thought. This allows you to focus on what you are saying, not how you are saying it.
Included Resources
Video Library: Detailed breakdown of articulation for each sound.
Diagrams: Visual guides for tongue placement.
Native Speaker Analysis: Breakdowns of speeches by actors and business leaders to observe natural speech patterns.
Discussion Forum: Direct access to me for specific technical questions.
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Sign up for a free preview before making a purchase. English, Japanese, and Russian subtitles (where available).
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FAQ
Who is the target audience for this course?
This course was mainly designed for non-native speakers (Intermediate to Advanced) who wish to acquire Received Pronunciation.
What is Received Pronunciation?
Received Pronunciation, as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, is “the standard way in which middle-class speakers of southern British English pronounce words”. You can find more information regarding Received Pronunciation here and by reading my blog.
Can native English speakers benefit from this course?
Yes. While the course is designed for non-natives, the mechanical breakdown is highly effective for native speakers wish to acquire an RP accent. Speakers of General American English are also recommended to explore the RP for Americans Course for a more tailored experience.
What is the expected duration of the Complete Course?
The average completion time is between 20 and 60 hours. This varies based on your current level and how rigorously you practise the drills.
Why is the Complete Course so lengthy?
This is a training program, not a lecture. We do not just explain the sounds; we drill them. The course is designed to allow enough repetition to alter your muscle memory. You cannot rush physiology.
Is there a time limit to complete this course?
No. You have lifetime access. You can work at your own pace and return to specific modules for maintenance practice whenever needed.
Are there any prerequisites for taking this course?
While no specific prerequisites exist, a basic level of English proficiency is recommended for optimal learning. Most videos include English subtitles, and subtitles in other languages are also provided.
Can I access the course materials on any device?
Absolutely, the course is accessible on any device with an internet connection using a web browser.
Is there any support provided during the course?
Yes, a dedicated support team is available to assist students with any questions or issues they may encounter during the course.
Is the course self-paced?
Yes, the course is self-paced. Students can progress through the material at their own pace.
What happens if I need to take a break from the course?
You can progress and resume later; the course will pick up where you left off.
Are there any future discounts available for this course?
No. The course is priced to reflect the comprehensive nature of the material. All future content updates are included at no extra cost.