RECEIVED PRONUNCIATIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Received Pronunciation (RP) refers to the standard form of British English pronunciation that is traditionally associated with educated classes and particularly those in the south of England. It is characterized by its distinctive accent and sound patterns. RP is considered the prestigious and socially dominant accent in the United Kingdom, although its influence has diminished over time.
RP is often associated with traits such as clarity, precision, and elegance of speech. It is characterized by features such as non-rhoticity, where the "r" sound is generally not pronounced at the ends of words, as well as specific vowel sounds. Additionally, it typically employs specific diphthong and consonant features, with particular attention to articulation and vowel length.
Originally developed as a variant of the accent spoken in the influential schools and universities of England, RP gained prominence during the late 18th and 19th centuries and became associated with the British aristocracy, civil service, and broadcasting institutions. It was widely adopted in the media, leading to its use as a prestigious or default accent for acting, news reading, and public speaking.
While RP is often perceived as the standard British English accent, its prominence has diminished in recent years due to greater regional variation and the influence of other English accents in popular culture. However, it remains an important and recognizable accent, particularly in formal, traditional, or highly educated contexts.
Common Misspellings for RECEIVED PRONUNCIATIONS
- eeceived pronunciations
- deceived pronunciations
- feceived pronunciations
- teceived pronunciations
- 5eceived pronunciations
- 4eceived pronunciations
- rwceived pronunciations
- rsceived pronunciations
- rdceived pronunciations
- rrceived pronunciations
- r4ceived pronunciations
- r3ceived pronunciations
- rexeived pronunciations
- reveived pronunciations
- refeived pronunciations
- redeived pronunciations
- recwived pronunciations
- recsived pronunciations
- recdived pronunciations
- recrived pronunciations
Etymology of RECEIVED PRONUNCIATIONS
The term "Received Pronunciation" (RP) originated in the early 20th century in England. The word "received" in this context means accepted or standard. The pronunciation refers to the way words are spoken, particularly in British English.
The use of the term "Received Pronunciation" began in linguistic circles in the early 20th century to differentiate between different regional and social accents and to establish a standard form of pronunciation that could be understood and accepted across different classes and regions in Britain.
The exact etymology of the term is uncertain, but it is believed to have evolved from the idea that this form of speech was received or approved by the educated and upper-class elites who were often associated with the standard form of English pronunciation. Over time, RP developed strong associations with the upper classes, educated professionals, and those in positions of power in British society.
