Received Pronunciation

Definition

Received Pronunciation (RP) is a prestigious accent of British English, often associated with the educated classes and used in formal contexts. This accent is characterized by its clear articulation, lack of regional features, and is often considered the standard for British English in broadcasting and theatre. RP is significant in performance as it can convey status and character to audiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Received Pronunciation is sometimes referred to as 'the Queen's English' or 'BBC English,' emphasizing its association with authority and education.
2. While RP is not tied to a specific geographical region, it has historically been linked to the upper classes and educational institutions like Oxford and Cambridge.
3. In performance, actors often use RP to portray characters of higher social standing or to project clarity and professionalism.
4. The accent has evolved over time, with contemporary RP reflecting more diverse influences than the traditional form, incorporating elements from other regional accents.
5. Despite its prestige, Received Pronunciation has faced criticism for being elitist and not representative of the linguistic diversity found within the UK.

Review Questions

• How does Received Pronunciation influence character perception in theatrical performances?
  • Received Pronunciation can significantly affect how audiences perceive a character's social status and background. Actors using RP often portray characters who are educated, wealthy, or of high social standing. This accent adds layers to the character's identity, allowing audiences to make immediate associations based on the way they speak. Therefore, mastering RP can be crucial for actors aiming to embody specific roles that require this level of sophistication.
• Discuss the role of Received Pronunciation in modern media and its impact on linguistic diversity in performance arts.
  • Received Pronunciation plays a significant role in modern media, often being favored for news broadcasts and formal presentations. This preference can overshadow regional accents and dialects, leading to a lack of representation in performance arts. While RP provides clarity and a sense of professionalism, it can also perpetuate stereotypes about class and education. As performance arts continue to evolve, there is an ongoing conversation about embracing diverse accents and dialects to reflect the UK's rich linguistic landscape.
• Evaluate the implications of using Received Pronunciation in relation to societal attitudes towards class and education within performance contexts.
  • The use of Received Pronunciation in performance raises important questions about societal attitudes towards class and education. It often reinforces the idea that RP is the 'correct' way to speak English, thereby marginalizing other accents and reinforcing class distinctions. This dynamic can impact casting choices, audience perceptions, and even an actor's career trajectory based on their accent. In evaluating these implications, it's crucial to consider how embracing a wider range of dialects can promote inclusivity and authenticity in storytelling.

Related terms

Accent: A distinctive way of pronouncing a language, often linked to a particular region or social class.

Dialect: A form of a language that is specific to a particular region or group, encompassing variations in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Phonetics: The study of the sounds of human speech, focusing on how sounds are produced and perceived.