Accent and Dialect- RP

Question 1

Received Pronunciation (RP)

Answer 1

An accent, rather than a dialect, avoiding non-standard grammar and localised vocabulary.
Regionally non-specific, meaning it does not hint to the speaker’s geographic background

Question 2

Origins of RP

Answer 2

Private schools and universities in 19th century Britain
People from privileged classes attended these schools and their accent, loosely based on the accent of the South-East Midlands, became associated with middle and upper class London.

Question 3

Giles et al (1975)

Answer 3

University lecturer gave the same talk to two matched groups between 16 and 18 years old. One talk was done in RP and the other a Brummie accent. The RP accent was rated higher for intelligence by the students.

Question 4

Phonetic features of RP

Answer 4

Pronounce the ‘r’ when followed by a vowel sound.
Pronounce the ‘h’ at the beginning of words
Lengthen the short ‘a’ vowel before some consonants
Pronounce the long ‘u’ as a diphthong

Question 5

Types of RP

Answer 5

Upper crust-‘conservative’
Mainstream-‘general’
Advanced/contemporary-younger speakers and more exclusive social groups