Received Pronunciation/ RP Accent: The British Standard
If you’ve ever tuned in to BBC Radio 4 or watched a period drama, you’ve probably heard Received Pronunciation, or RP. It’s the accent people immediately recognise as “typically British” – clear, polished, and yes, often a little posh. But RP isn’t just about sounding fancy. It has a rich history, has evolved over centuries, and can be a practical tool if you want to neutralise your accent, speak with authority, or perform on stage and screen.
The Origins of Received Pronunciation: Aristocracy, Education, and Social Status
RP’s story starts in the late eighteenth century when the English aristocracy began speaking differently from the wider population. They favoured long vowels, precise consonants, and a formal, elegant style. Most of these speech patterns came from the south-east Midlands, around London, Oxford, and Cambridge. At the time, it wasn’t just about sounding polished – RP became a sign of education, refinement, and social mobility.
Fun fact: The term “Received Pronunciation” literally means the accent “received” into polite society. In other words, it was the accent you learned if you wanted to be accepted in elite circles.
Received Pronunciation on the BBC: The RP Accent and Class
When the BBC was founded in 1922, RP became the standard accent for announcers and newsreaders. The idea was that they needed a clear and understandable sound that was considered trustworth. There was also a thought that if everyone heard RP on the radio, perhaps people from all social backgrounds would adopt it, reducing the prejudice associated with regional accents. Unfortunately, (or fortunately!) it didn’t quite work that way. Regional accents remained strong, and RP sometimes even reinforced class distinctions. But what it did do was cement RP as the accent of credibility, authority, and professionalism – something still true today in broadcasting and formal settings.
The Evolution of RP Accent: Heightened, Mainstream, and Contemporary Styles
Like any living accent, RP has evolved. Linguists and voice coaches often identify three main types:
Heightened RP: The formal, classic RP you might associate with Winston Churchill or older royal family members. It’s precise, slightly theatrical, with tight oral posture and crisp consonants. Perfect for historical dramas or trying to sound like Jacob Reese Mogg or the cast or Made in Chelsea.
Mainstream RP: Smooth, neutral, and versatile – think BBC Radio 4. It doesn’t reveal age, region, or social background, making it ideal for business, education, or media. Actors like Patrick Stewart, Judi Dench, and Ian McKellen have famously used this style.
Contemporary RP: Modern, relaxed, and sometimes influenced by Estuary English or American speech. Consonants are softer, the rhythm freer, and it sounds natural in everyday conversation. Think Benedict Cumberbatch or Emma Watson – professional, approachable, and modern.
Why Learn Received Pronunciation or the RP Accent?
So why might someone want to learn RP today? There are a few reasons:
- Accent neutralisation: If you have a strong accent, RP provides a neutral base that can help with communication for presentations, interviews, and international communication. Our RP coaching services can help you achieve this.
- Acting and performance: RP is the standard for stage and screen, particularly for characters who are “placeless” or timeless. Heightened RP is perfect for period dramas, while contemporary RP suits modern settings without giving away regional clues to the character.
- Confidence and clarity: Learning RP improves articulation, vocal presence, and makes you sound polished without erasing your personality.
Hearing the RP Accent in Action
If you’re curious to hear RP in practice, here are some great examples:
- Heightened RP examples
- Heightened RP in practice
- Historical RP examples
- Mainstream RP in media
- Contemporary RP accents
Learn Received Pronunciation with The Working Voice
Whether you want to refine your speech for professional settings, explore acting roles, or simply enjoy learning a classic British accent, our Received Pronunciation coaching can help. We guide you through the history, evolution, and practical use of RP, helping you speak clearly, confidently, and with authority. Book a free consultation today and start your journey to mastering RP.
Further Reading on the RP Accent
For more on the history of RP and British accents, check out these authoritative sources:
