THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECEIVED PRONUNCIATION

Abstract

This article examines the historical evolution, characteristics, and social significance of Received Pronunciation (RP), the prestige accent traditionally associated with southern England and educated speakers. The study traces RP’s origins to the 15th–16th centuries, when regional dialects in England began to standardize under the influence of social mobility, education, and London’s growing cultural prominence. The article highlights key phonological features that distinguish RP, including non-rhoticity, specific vowel qualities, and consonant articulation patterns, as well as its role as a marker of social class and formal education.

The article also explores how RP has been shaped by historical events, such as the establishment of public schools and the BBC’s broadcasting standards, which reinforced its status as the model accent for national communication. Additionally, it discusses ongoing debates regarding RP’s relevance in contemporary society, noting that while its dominance has declined due to regional and multicultural influences, RP still functions as a symbol of social prestige and linguistic authority. The article concludes that understanding RP’s development provides insight into the interplay between language, society, and identity, illustrating how pronunciation norms evolve in response to social, cultural, and institutional factors.