An "Oxford accent" is essentially what is now more commonly known as Received Pronunciation (RP) or, more formally, Standard Southern British. Historically, it was the accent associated with members of the University of Oxford.
Understanding the "Oxford Accent" or RP
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Historical Connection: While the term "Oxford accent" isn't widely used today, it reflects the historical prevalence of RP among students and faculty at Oxford University. It's important to understand that not everyone at Oxford speaks (or spoke) with an RP accent, but it was a very common feature there.
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Received Pronunciation (RP): RP is a non-regional accent of British English, often considered the "standard" accent in the UK. It is typically what is taught to foreign learners of English.
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Standard Southern British: This is a more linguistically precise term for RP used by the International Phonetic Association. It more accurately describes the accent's regional origin (Southern England) and its standardized nature.
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Features of RP: RP is characterized by:
- Clear pronunciation of vowels and consonants.
- Non-rhoticity (the "r" sound is not pronounced after a vowel, except when followed by a vowel sound). For example, "car" sounds like "cah."
- Distinct intonation patterns.
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Social Connotations: Historically, RP has been associated with high social class, education, and authority in the UK. However, its prevalence is declining, and attitudes towards it are evolving.
Why "Oxford Accent" is Less Common Now
The term "Oxford accent" is less frequently used for several reasons:
- Increased Diversity: Oxford University, and British society in general, have become more diverse. As a result, a wider range of accents are now heard at Oxford.
- Focus on RP: Linguists and educators prefer the terms Received Pronunciation or Standard Southern British because they are more specific and avoid the misleading implication that only people associated with Oxford speak this way.
- Evolving Attitudes: The social connotations of RP are changing. While still associated with prestige in some contexts, it's also sometimes perceived as elitist or old-fashioned.
In conclusion, the term "Oxford accent" essentially refers to Received Pronunciation (RP) or Standard Southern British, historically associated with members of the University of Oxford, but now more broadly recognized as a non-regional, standardized accent of British English.
