In the English language, as in Italian, there are several ways to pronounce phrases and words. In fact, in addition to the one called “Received pronunciation” we find other more colloquial, less academic forms, which can present very important differences. It is for this reason that there are many who arrive across the Channel convinced that they know the language very well but who remain stunned when they find themselves speaking with someone from the place. In fact, it often happens that you understand little or nothing and this is due to the fact that an Italian student is taught received pronunciation. Let's see in detail what it is, when it is appropriate to use this academic pronunciation and in which cases it can be more useful to follow online English lessons with a native speaker before leaving.
Received pronunciation: what is it
When we talk about received pronunciation, we're referring to the academic pronunciation of the English language: the official pronunciation taught in schools and universities. We can compare it to correct Italian pronunciation, as opposed to the numerous dialectal inflections that characterize each region of our country. Knowing the received pronunciation is therefore certainly important for anyone studying the language., because it is essentially the most correct pronunciation.
Moreover, if we refer to the English vocabulary, the phonetics indicated for each word refers precisely to the received pronunciation. However, as we've mentioned, simply knowing this pronunciation can be counterproductive, especially if you plan to move to the United Kingdom.
When received pronunciation is important
Taking specific cases, it is important to know the received pronunciation especially in certain contexts. In fact, we can consider this pronunciation not only the official one but also the typical of the middle-upper classes, of businessmen and highly cultured men and in general of the wealthiest. It therefore goes without saying that those who intend to move to London to work in a very famous multinational and occupy a prominent position would do well to concentrate on received pronunciation. The same goes for young people who want to enroll in one of the well-known universities in the United Kingdom including Oxford and Cambridge, where this is the pronunciation par excellence and showing it off allows you to make a good impression right away.
Not only that: anyone who intends to obtain an English language certification such as TOEFL, the Cambridge Assessment English The IELTS cannot afford to underestimate the importance of received pronunciation. To pass the exam, it is essential to demonstrate knowledge of correct, official pronunciation.
In conclusion: Received pronunciation is important in many contexts but especially in the most prestigious ones., when demonstrating correct diction can make the difference.
Why Knowing Received Pronunciation Is Not Enough
Knowing only the received pronunciation, however, can be quite limiting, because as we have mentioned this is the pronunciation of the middle-upper classes and she is perceived by the English as snobbish, arrogant. When you find yourself in informal life situations, it is not a good idea to display impeccable diction because you risk appearing arrogant.
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The same goes for those who intend to work in the UK but carry out simple tasks, such as dishwasher, waiter, shop assistant and so on.
The real problem, however, lies not only in one's appearance and the self-image perceived by one's interlocutors, but rather in the actual effectiveness of one's communication. If someone speaks to us with a colloquial accent, which has nothing to do with received pronunciation, we risk understanding very little of what we are told. This is a limitation that should not be underestimated.
Received pronunciation and local dialects: the differences
The differences between the received pronunciation and the various local dialects or cadences can be very important, just as it happens in our Italian language. However, it must be specified that the received pronunciation, although it is considered the official British pronunciation, cannot be compared to the Italian diction in all respects. Although the accents may be different, in our language the words remain almost unchanged. while in English, understanding them if you are not a native speaker is sometimes really very difficult.
How to learn colloquial pronunciation
Received pronunciation is taught in all schools because, as we have said, it is the reference, official one, which is also found in the English dictionary. How can we also learn the alternative pronunciation to this one, that is, the more colloquial one frequently used by people who live in the United Kingdom? The best thing is to follow targeted English lessons, strictly taught by a native speaker. that is able to give clear and precise indications on the real way of speaking of the English.
It is not easy, once your ear has become accustomed to the received pronunciation, to learn alternative pronunciations to this one. You need to practice a lot and that is why it is essential to choose a native speaker teacher, also because it is not a given that an Italian English teacher knows the colloquial pronunciation!
Changes and revisions to this article
- Article updated on 24/11/2025 at 18:58 - Content updated
- Article updated on 02/12/2025 at 14:31 - Content updated
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