What is Received Pronunciation?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Received Pronunciation is defined as “the standard way in which middle-class speakers of southern British English pronounce words”. Commonly referred to as RP, this accent represents a form of Standard British English historically linked to educated societal groups in southern England. It’s also recognised by names such as the “Queen’s English”, “Oxford English”, or “BBC English”, and holds a distinguished status, widely considered the benchmark for English pronunciation across the UK and other nations.

RP is an accent shaped by history, emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its origins are rooted in the speech patterns of individuals educated in public schools and members of the British upper-middle and upper classes. Distinctive features of RP include its notably clear and precise articulation, alongside a relatively standardised grammar and vocabulary. Despite its association with a particular social stratum, RP has gained broad recognition as the definitive standard for English pronunciation in Britain and beyond.

Many British actors aspiring to careers on stage or screen undertake training in RP at drama schools, and numerous well-known public figures within the UK use this accent. To get a sense of British individuals who speak some form of RP, please take a look at some examples here.

There are also variations of RP from traditional, refined, neutral, and contemporary manifestations, suggesting that the accent has undergone a gradual evolution over time. For instance, younger members of the royal family, like Prince William, might be perceived as speaking with a more modern version of RP.

While there isn’t one “correct” way to speak English, Received Pronunciation offers a suitable option for non-native English speakers aiming for an accent that is both clear and easily understood by a diverse audience. Professionals who prioritise unambiguous and effective communication could find RP particularly beneficial.

Received Pronunciation exhibits a specific set of features that distinguish it from other English accents. These include:

Vowel Sounds: RP possesses unique vowel sounds, notably a more prolonged and open articulation of the /ɑː/ sound in words such as “art” or “dance”. Note that the degree in which these vowels are lengthen can vary among speakers of RP.

Consonant Sounds: RP is noted for the distinct and precise articulation of its consonants, from the clear production of stop consonants and plosives, to the distinct /r/, /w/, and /l/ sounds.

Intonation: RP is characterised by its distinctive rhythm and musicality, featuring a relatively level intonation and a consistent pattern of stress.

Examples of Notable Individuals Known for Speaking Received Pronunciation:

  • The Royal Family: Historically, many members of the British Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II, have been strongly associated with RP.
  • Actors: British actors, especially those with classical theatre training, are renowned for their use of RP. Prominent examples include Benedict Cumberbatch, Maggie Smith, and Helen Mirren.
  • Broadcasters: RP has long been the accent of choice for many British broadcasters and news presenters, such as David Attenborough.
  • Politicians: British politicians, including former Prime Ministers like Margaret Thatcher, have been linked to the use of RP.

These serve merely as illustrative examples. It’s important to note that while these individuals may have utilised RP historically or in specific contexts, they might also employ other accents or variations in their everyday speech. Furthermore, many individuals recognised for speaking RP did not necessarily acquire it as their native accent but learned it later in life.

Click here for examples of RP spoken today by famous people such as actors and celebrities, etc.

The Oxford dictionary defines Received Pronunciation as:

 

“​a widely recognized accent of British English, associated with education, broadcasting and the South of England”

 

And according to The Cambridge dictionary, Received Pronunciation is defined as:

 

“the standard way in which middle-class speakers of southern British English pronounce words”