Is RP the standard English pronunciation?

Why don't the majority of British people speak RP English - the received pronunciation?   Michelle Shen, Nanchang

Have you been trying very hard to speak English with the 'standard' pronunciation, or RP (received pronunciation)?

You may be surprised to find just how small the number of RP speakers is in the UK. As a matter of fact, most people speak with a regional accent.

Why then don't the majority of British try to speak that 'perfect English' while the Chinese learners of English are trying to adopt RP?

Listen to Lily's report and find the answer. Afterwards challenge yourself to a mini quiz.

Download and listen to Lily's report 点击此处下载录音材料

Download the script of this programme 点击此处下载文字材料

Test your knowledge with this quiz 点击此处做小测试

Do you have a question about Britain?
你有没有对英国的疑问？

Then email us at chinaelt@bbc.co.uk or

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