What is Modern British English?

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Modern British English (MBE) refers to standard British English as it is taught and understood today. MBE is not prescriptive, but rather descriptive in reflecting the reality of standard British English.

 

MBE is practically synonymous with Modern Received Pronunciation (Modern RP) and its many evolving iterations, as highlighted by Geoff Lindsey.

 

What is Received Pronunciation?

 

Received Pronunciation (RP) has long been linked to formal education and social distinction. The most well-known example is the King’s or Queen’s English, depending on who is on the throne. Historically, RP was spoken by the British elite, including the royal family. However, linguistic shifts over time have created distinctions between Traditional RP, exemplified by King Charles III, and Modern RP, as spoken by the younger generations, including Prince George.*

 

What is Modern RP?

 

Modern RP is a more grounded and neutral version of RP, reflecting broader cultural changes in British society. It is sometimes referred to as BBC English, as the British Broadcasting Corporation uses it to communicate clearly with the general public. Unlike its traditional counterpart, Modern RP is no longer a marker of class but rather a practical, intelligible, and internationally understood pronunciation standard.

 

Why Use the Term ‘Modern British English’?

 

While Modern RP remains a widely recognized term, "Received Pronunciation" is a confusing term to EFL learners. The term Modern British English (MBE) more clearly conveys that it refers to the standard, contemporary spoken form of British English. The emphasis on Southern British, on the other hand, fails to acknowledge the varieties of Modern RP and instead further deepens the divide between the North and South.

 

The Evolution of Modern British English

 

British English has always been subject to change. From Old and Middle English to the influence of empire, media, and globalisation, the language continues to evolve. In the 20th century, RP was the dominant pronunciation standard, but with increased social mobility and a shift toward inclusivity, a more neutral and widely spoken form evolved to reflect Modern Britain and Modern British English.

 

Today, MBE represents a balanced approach, maintaining the clarity and structure of RP while shedding its exclusivity. This makes it the ideal model for education, business, and international communication.