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Written by Anton

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Published: 04 November 2019

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• English
• received pronunciation
• ESL
• English pronunciation
• diplomat
• business
• definition
• RP accent
• dictionary

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Received Pronunciation is defined as

"the standard way in which middle-class speakers of southern British English pronounce words".

Received Pronunciation (RP) is an accent of Standard British English that was originally associated with the educated social group in southern England. It is also known as the "Queen's English", "Oxford English", or "BBC English". RP is considered a prestige accent and is widely recognized as a standard of English pronunciation in the UK and other countries.

RP is a historically determined accent that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it was based on the speech of public school-educated individuals and the British upper-middle and upper classes. RP is characterized by its clear, precise pronunciation, and its relatively standardized grammar and vocabulary. Despite being associated with a specific social group, RP has become a widely recognized accent that is considered the benchmark for standard English pronunciation in the UK and elsewhere.

Many aspiring British actors learn RP at acting school, and many famous and notable people speak it within the UK. Look at these Pinterest links to get an idea of British people who speak RP in some form or another. 

Some would also distinguish between the traditional, upper, neutral, and modern forms of RP. We could say that the RP accent has evolved over the years. For example, perhaps the younger members of the royal family, such as Prince William, could be considered to speak with a more modern RP accent. 

There is no "correct way" to speak English, however, Received Pronunciation would be suitable for non-native English speakers who want to speak with an accent that is clear and can be easily understood by others. Those who need to communicate clearly and effectively, such as diplomats, business people, interpreters, and scientists, would benefit from learning RP. 

Key characteristics of RP

Received Pronunciation has a certain set of features that distinguish it from other accents of English. Some of these features include:

• Vowel Sounds: RP has a distinctive set of vowel sounds, including a longer and more open pronunciation of the /ɑː/ sound in words such as "bath" or "dance".

• Consonant Sounds: RP is known for its clear and precise pronunciation of consonants, particularly the /t/ and /l/ sounds.

• Intonation: RP is characterized by its distinct rhythm and melody, with a relatively flat intonation and a consistent stress pattern.

• Grammar and Vocabulary: RP follows standard grammatical rules and uses a relatively standardized vocabulary.

Examples of famous people who are known for speaking Received Pronunciation:

• The Royal Family: Many members of the British Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II, have traditionally been associated with RP.

• Actors: Many British actors, particularly those trained in classical theatre, are known for speaking RP. Examples include Benedict Cumberbatch, Maggie Smith, and Helen Mirren.

• Broadcasters: RP has been the accent of choice for many British broadcasters and news presenters such as David Attenborough.

• Politicians: Some British politicians, including former Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and John Major, have been associated with RP.

These are just a few examples, and it's worth noting that while these individuals may have used RP in the past or in specific contexts, they may also use other accents or variations in their daily speech. Additionally, many people who are known for using RP have not necessarily had it as their first accent, but have learned it later in life.

Examples of Received Pronunciation can be found by visiting the link below: 

Speakers of RP: British Hollywood Actors

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Written by Anton

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Published: 27 March 2023

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Guy Ritchie is a British film director, writer, and producer who is known for his distinctive style and his use of the mockney accent. The mockney accent is a fake cockney accent that has been adopted by many people from privileged backgrounds in the UK. In this article, we will explore Guy Ritchie's background, his manner of speech, and how adopting the mockney accent has influenced his working life. We will also delve into other examples of prominent figures who have adopted mockney.

Background

Guy Ritchie was born in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, on September 10, 1968. His father, John Vivian Ritchie, was a Major in the British Army, and his mother, Amber Ritchie, was a model. Guy Ritchie grew up in a privileged environment and attended the prestigious public school, Stanbridge Earls School in Hampshire. Despite his privileged background, Guy Ritchie adopted the mockney accent, a fake cockney accent, which has become his signature style.

Manner of Speech

The mockney accent is a distinctive way of speaking that is associated with the East End of London. It is characterized by dropping the letter "H" at the beginning of words and adding a glottal stop in its place. The accent is also characterized by the use of slang words and phrases that are unique to the East End of London. Guy Ritchie's manner of speech is a perfect example of the mockney accent. He drops the letter "H" at the beginning of words, and he uses slang words and phrases in his conversations.

Influence on Working Life

Guy Ritchie's adoption of the mockney accent has had a significant influence on his working life. He is known for his gritty, urban, and often violent films that are set in the East End of London. His films are a reflection of his adopted accent, and they have helped to popularize the mockney accent in popular culture.

Other Examples of Prominent Figures who Adopted Mockney

Guy Ritchie is not the only prominent figure who has adopted the mockney accent. George Osborne, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Rishi Sunak, the current Chancellor of the Exchequer, are two other examples of people who have adopted the mockney accent. George Osborne was educated at St Paul's School, one of the most prestigious public schools in the UK, and Rishi Sunak was educated at Winchester College, another prestigious public school. However, both politicians have been known to use the mockney accent in their speeches, particularly when they are addressing working-class audiences.

In conclusion, Guy Ritchie's adoption of the mockney accent has become a defining characteristic of his work and his public persona. Despite his privileged background, Ritchie's use of the mockney accent has helped to create a connection between his films and the working-class culture of the East End of London. While some may argue that adopting the accent is a form of cultural appropriation, others see it as a way of breaking down class barriers and creating a more inclusive society. Regardless of one's perspective, there is no denying the impact that Guy Ritchie and other prominent figures have had on the popularization of the mockney accent.

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Written by Anton

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Published: 27 March 2023

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The /æ/ sound is a short vowel sound in the English language that is pronounced with the tongue positioned low and forward in the mouth. It can be found in many everyday words such as "cat", "bag", "man", and "hand".

Single syllable words: 

cat, hat, bat, mat, sat, pat, rat, chat, flat, glad, mad, pad, sad, tad, bad, add, dad, had, lad, cad, rag, tag, sag, wag, bag, nag, gap, lap, map, sap, cap, tap, yap, zap, jack, back, pack, rack, tack, yak, black, track, crack, snack, whack, stack, lack, knack, flap, snap, trap, clap, wrap, scrap, brat, chat

Two syllable words:

apple, battle, cabin, captain, chapter, damage, fabric, gallon, jacket, ladder, manage, napkin, package, rabbit, saddle, talent, vacuum, wagon, actor, banner, camera, gather, hammer, lantern, mansion, panic, racket, savage, talent, exact, canyon, damage, family, galaxy, handle, jasmine, lantern, magnet, package, scandal, tablet, valley.

Sentences:

Black cats have bad habits.

Jack and Max packed a black sack.

The rat sat flat on the mat.

As a passionate amateur naturalist, Jack gladly packed his rucksack with snacks, maps, and cameras before setting out on his backpacking adventure, hoping to spot fascinating plants and animals such as badgers, hares, and black adders, and perhaps capture some stunning landscapes on film, as he hiked through the lush valleys and vast moorlands of the Lake District.