Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Is the Enhanced Perception of Received Pronunciation a form of Snobbery?. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 3 page paper considers the statement that Received Pronunciation (RP) is only one accent among many, and to consider it of any importance is only snobbery. The bibliography cites 4 sources.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: TS14_TErecpron.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
Received Pronunciation in terms any greater than one of many ways to speak can be seen as a form of snobbery and prejudice. The way in which
accents have been interpreted over the centuries has been mixed, even common spelling is a relativity new occurrence (Lawson, 2000). However, historically Received Pronunciation along with some other accents have
been held in higher regard, with the perception of their importance still permeating society today. This was true even in Chaucers day, when there was snobbery in terms of the
southern accent. Indeed, at this time there was a skinner on trial in the southern part of the country, the testimony given by this man in the southern court was
judged to be untrustworthy as his accent fluctuated between southern English and Scottish (Clark, 1989). The impression of northerners in this way may be seen as tainted by other myths
and fabrications, creating the framework for prejudice against some accent to take place, alternatively it may have been a justification of the prejudice and snobbery that existed. For example, it
was believed that the devil had made a lair in the north of the country, only that the county was not known, this was even reflected in Chaucers Friars Tale;
"which locates the devils hideaway" fer in the north contree" (Ellis, 1995; 153). Therefore, there does not appear to be any real historical basis that gives reason for the different
value attachments. The real issue may be the perceptions of the people that come form places with accents. Those who were deemed to speak properly with Received Pronunciation were those
who had received an education, or were brought up by those who had the heirs and graces associated with society. A regional accent was seen as a lack of this
...