How British English changed and morphed over the span of the Queen's lifetime—and why her speech became closer to how common people talk, by FridlandValerie
Alford’s book was a usage guide for those looking to sound like the upper crust at a time when language was very much a gatekeeper to high society. This higher-class British dialect persevered and is referred to in modern times as Received Pronunciation or, more recently, Southern Standard British. And, as far back as the 17th Century, the English spoken by the Royals has held sway as the idealized form of correct speech.
And beyond adopting such new features, most Southern Standard speakers have also changed up how they are saying their vowels, with words likesounding less like the traditional RP “bed” pronunciation toward a more open mouthed ‘bad’ pronunciation. In addition, the highly recognizable upper crust pronunciation of the final sound in words like, sounding more like “hepp-eh” rather than “happ-ee,” has also started to fade over time, in a process called vowel tensing.
The researchers suggest that, early in her reign, the Queen’s English was less similar to the speech around her as a result of the more rigid social and class structure that defined the times. The ensuing decades saw massive cultural changes in Britain which resulted in a collapse of stark class divides and a more egalitarian society.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kate Middleton Makes a Grim Appearance Alongside Queen Camilla During Procession for Queen ElizabethThe royals are being driven behind the coffin of the late monarch.
Read more »
Queen Elizabeth live updates: Queen Elizabeth II set to make final journey to LondonTens of thousands of mourners turned out in Scotland to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II, with thousands more expected on Tuesday before the coffin is flown to London.
Read more »
Queen Camilla: 'We're Doing Our Best' After Queen Elizabeth's DeathQueen Consort Camilla offered an update on how the royal family is doing after Queen Elizabeth II's death at the age of 96 — all the details
Read more »
Oprah Winfrey Calls Queen Elizabeth II a 'Great Women of Service'Oprah Winfrey is mourning Queen Elizabeth II's death.
Read more »
Queen Elizabeth II was a long-time automotive enthusiastQueen Elizabeth II was still driving herself around England as late as this year. Here is a tiny selection of royal conveyances used during her 70-year reign.
Read more »