Received Pronunciation, hereafter abbreviated as RP, which has been considered a model of English pronunciation is broadening to more tolerance towards a larger amount of speakers. (Upton/Kortmann 2008:238f.) Looking at the history of RP first will lead us to conclusions about its function and social importance, which are still applicable nowadays. Afterwards, special features of RP will be discussed as examples that might also imply certain changes that have happened to RP over the last decades. Afterwards a decision can be made, whether the development RP is undergoing are being useful and promising for the future of the English language.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. History of RP
3. Function and Social Importance of RP
4. Special Features of RP
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This essay aims to analyze the historical development, social function, and linguistic characteristics of Received Pronunciation (RP). It explores how this model of English pronunciation has evolved over time, its role as a social symbol of status, and its enduring importance as a pedagogical reference point despite the increasing influence of regional varieties.
- Historical origins and standardization of English pronunciation
- Social implications and prestige associated with RP
- Distinctive phonetic features including r-lessness and vowel variations
- The impact of mass media and non-standard accents on the evolution of RP
- The ongoing relevance of RP in foreign language teaching and lexicography
Excerpt from the Book
3. Function and Social Importance of RP
“In Great Britain pronunciation reflects both on regional and social factors.” (Svartvik/Leech 2006: 124)
Today we can distinguish between three types of standardized accent: general RP, which is the teaching model used in many dictionaries; refined RP, which is generally associated with upper-class families and old British movies; and near-RP, which consists of a mixture of regional and individual characteristics. (ibid. 127) General RP is approximately spoken by “only about three per cent of the English population”, but its great acceptance can be mostly ascribed to the mass media (Trudgill/Hughes 1996:3). Every speaker of the BBC had to speak RP on the radio and on television since the programmes existed. (Svartvik/Leech 2006: 125) Today though, it is different: Each BBC host speaks his or her own local accent. (ibid.) This reflects on the overall change of English pronunciation, which is also visible when people moving within the country adapt new accents at their new workplaces. (ibid.128)
As mentioned before, speakers of RP are historically connected with a higher social status and even nowadays “research has shown that RP has a high rating as being pleasing, articulate and prestigious” (ibid.124). Apart from being widely understood, RP also constitutes well-known norms to which other varieties such as Cockney and Estuary English can be compared for reference. (Melcher/Shaw, 2003:45) Especially for teaching English it is quite useful to talk about varieties of a language, as it encourages a reflective behaviour towards language. Considering these advantages, the logical conclusion is to use RP as a model for foreign language teaching, which is apparently the case because it is “the kind of English that foreigners want to learn” (Svartvik/Leech 2006: 126).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the scope of the essay regarding the historical and functional development of Received Pronunciation as a model for English speakers.
2. History of RP: Examines the development of English standardization and the subsequent definition of RP by Daniel Jones in the 20th century.
3. Function and Social Importance of RP: Discusses the prestige associated with RP and its role as a benchmark for teaching and social classification in Britain.
4. Special Features of RP: Details specific phonetic characteristics of RP, such as non-rhoticity and the influence of other accents like Estuary English.
5. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, arguing that while RP is broadening, it remains an essential reference for language learning and dictionaries.
Keywords
Received Pronunciation, RP, English language, linguistics, phonetics, standardization, socio-linguistics, Estuary English, language development, language teaching, Daniel Jones, BBC, non-rhoticity, accents, language prestige.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
This paper examines the history, social function, and linguistic characteristics of Received Pronunciation (RP) within the context of the English language.
What are the central thematic areas?
The essay covers the historical emergence of standard English, the social prestige linked to specific accents, the phonetic features of RP, and the evolving role of RP in the modern media landscape.
What is the main objective of the research?
The goal is to determine if the developmental changes RP is currently undergoing remain useful and promising for the future of the English language, particularly in educational contexts.
Which scientific methods are applied?
The work utilizes a literature-based analysis of phonetic and socio-linguistic sources to trace the history and functional status of RP.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body discusses the historical origins starting from the 14th century, the distinction between various types of RP (general, refined, and near-RP), and specific phonetic markers such as r-lessness.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Key terms include Received Pronunciation, phonetics, language standardization, social status, and English varieties.
How has the role of the BBC influenced the perception of RP?
Historically, the BBC enforced the use of RP as the standard, contributing to its broad acceptance; however, modern broadcasting now allows for a greater variety of regional accents, reflecting broader social changes.
What distinguishes Estuary English from RP according to the text?
Estuary English is described as being situated on the continuum between RP and Cockney, showing influence from London speech and specific allophonic variations in the lateral /l/ sound.
- Quote paper
- Adrian Müller (Author), 2013, Features, Function and Importance of Received Pronunciation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/315662
