RP, Pronunciation preference polls, dynamic synchrony and SSB Pronunciation

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Published: 31-10-2024

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Tsutomu Akamatsu
Leeds University
United Kingdom
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1387-9280
Vol 29 (2023), Articles
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15304/moenia.id9606
Submitted: 18-12-2023 Accepted: 01-07-2024 Published: 31-10-2024
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Abstract

We first look at various aspects of RP (Received Pronunciation). One particular aspect of RP that is emphasized is its intelligibility (comprehensibility). Reproduced in this connection are results of a survey conducted by a polling organization on ‘intelligibility’ of British English pronunciation varieties. The concept of ‘dynamic synchrony’, as distinct from ‘static synchrony’, is brought in and explained at fair length. With this concept in mind, we look into the fact that many individual British English speakers show preference for different alternative pronunciations of words (e.g. absurd with [‑s‑] or [‑z‑]; 'contribute or con'tribute). We investigate if such different pronunciation choices correlate with ages, i.e. young speakers, old speakers; born before or after such-and-such year? We closely consult all three editions of Longman Pronunciation Dictionary (LPD) compiled by John Christopher Wells which contains detailed results of his 1988 and 1998 pronunciation preference surveys. LPD records pronunciation details found in ‘a modernized version of the type known as Received Pronunciation, or RP [Wells’s block letters]’ (LPD3: xix). Finally there will be a discussion concentrating on Geoffrey Lindsey’s recent book English after RP (2019) which shows the relationship between regressive RP and progressive SSB (Standard Southern British) pronunciation at the present time.

Keywords:

RP, pronunciation preference surveys, dynamic synchrony, static synchrony, RP’s intelligibility, public schools (boarding schools), social class, RP and the BBC, RP speakers, Southern Standard British pronunciation
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