Mastering the Modern RP Accent with 10 Common Words
Introduction
Welcome back, lovely students! Today, we’re diving into how you can recognize and speak with a modern received pronunciation (RP) accent using just 10 everyday words. I speak with a modern RP accent, and I’ll guide you through a short story to help you master it. Plus, I’ve created a free PDF guide and worksheet to complement this lesson. You can download it by clicking the link in the description box and joining my PDF club for weekly lessons and updates. Let’s get started!
Background or Problem Statement
Context
The United Kingdom is home to a diverse array of accents, each unique and beautiful in its way. Modern RP is one such accent that stands out, and many learners aim to master it for its clarity and prestige.
Problem
Recognizing and adopting the modern RP accent can be challenging, especially for those accustomed to other UK accents or American English. This article addresses this challenge by focusing on 10 common words to help you practice and perfect your modern RP pronunciation.
Main Content
Key Point 1: Pronunciation of "Tuesday"
In modern RP, "Tuesday" is pronounced as "choose-day," similar to saying the words "choose" and "day" together. Traditional RP pronounces it as "Tuesday" with a "you" sound. In American English, it’s often pronounced "Tuesday," dropping the "you" sound.
Key Point 2: Pronunciation of "Afternoon"
Modern RP uses a long "ah" sound in "afternoon." In contrast, northern English and North American accents use a short "ah" sound, like in "apple." Compare "afternoon" (modern RP) with "afternoon" (northern English) and "afternoon" (American English).
Key Point 3: Pronunciation of "Online"
Modern RP uses a short vowel sound "ah" in "online." In North America, the vowel sound is lengthened to "ah," making it "online." This subtle difference is also present in words like "shopping."
Key Point 4: Pronunciation of "Computer"
In modern RP, the "R" at the end of "computer" is not pronounced, resulting in "computer." In North American English, the "R" is pronounced as "computer."
Key Point 5: Pronunciation of "News"
Modern RP includes a "yeah" sound before the "oo" in "news," making it "news." In many American accents, this "yeah" sound is dropped, resulting in "news."
Key Point 6: Pronunciation of "Giving"
Modern RP retains the "ng" sound in "giving." In other British accents and some North American accents, this sound is often dropped, resulting in "givin’."
Key Point 7: Pronunciation of "Look" and "Luck"
In modern RP, "look" uses a short vowel sound "uh," while "luck" uses "ah." In northern English accents, both words often sound the same.
Key Point 8: Pronunciation of "No"
Modern RP uses a diphthong "oh" in "no," which varies significantly across the UK. In parts of Yorkshire, it can sound like a long monophthong.
Key Point 9: Pronunciation of "Better"
In modern RP, "better" is pronounced with a clear "t" sound. In American English, the "t" is often a fast "d" sound, known as a "t flap."
Key Point 10: Pronunciation of "Brochure"
Modern RP stresses the first syllable in "brochure," while American English stresses the second syllable. Other words with different stress patterns include "address," "vaccine," and "garage."
Actionable Advice
- Step 1: Listen to native speakers of modern RP and mimic their pronunciation.
- Step 2: Practice shadowing by repeating after the speaker, focusing on the key words discussed.
- Step 3: Record yourself and compare your pronunciation to native speakers.
- Step 4: Use the free PDF guide and worksheet to reinforce your learning.
Summary
- Modern RP pronunciation of "Tuesday," "afternoon," "online," "computer," "news," "giving," "look," "luck," "no," "better," and "brochure."
- Differences in vowel sounds and stress patterns between modern RP and other accents.
- Practical steps to practice and master the modern RP accent.
- Quote: "One of the best ways to get the accent that you want is to copy or mimic speakers you want to sound like."
