Ever wondered about the origins of that crisp, clear accent often associated with British royalty and BBC newsreaders? That's Received Pronunciation (RP), and its journey through history is a fascinating tale of social mobility, standardization, and shifting linguistic tides. This article dives deep into the history of Received Pronunciation development, uncovering the key influences and transformations that shaped this iconic accent.

What is Received Pronunciation? Defining RP and its Significance

Before we delve into its history, let's define what we mean by Received Pronunciation. RP, often informally referred to as the