Do English South Africans Have the RP English Accent?

In recent discussions on platforms like Quora, the question arises whether native-born South Africans who speak English carry the Received Pronunciation (RP) accent. This article explores the rich tapestry of South African English accents, examining their nuances and comparing them to RP.

The Diversity of South African English Accents

When considering the accents among native-born South Africans, it's clear that many are distinctly South African. However, there are noteworthy exceptions, and some individuals do exhibit accents that are quite close to RP English. Linguists often refer to the cultivated South African English, which can be surprisingly similar to RP in certain contexts.

Cultivated South African English

The term cultivated South African English refers to a more refined and educated form of the language. This accent is often associated with individuals who have received a formal education, especially those of English parentage. A clip of such an accent demonstrates how this form of South African English can be very similar to RP English. While the speaker is clearly South African, the pronunciation and intonation are quite close to the traditional RP accent. This suggests that with proper education and exposure, South Africans can indeed achieve a RP-like accent.

General South African English and Similarities to RP

General South African English, on the other hand, may have fewer similarities to RP. Features such as the LOT and COUGHT vowel sounds are notably different from those in General American English. While there are still more similarities to RP than to General American English, the differences are more pronounced. This can be attributed to the diverse linguistic influences in South Africa, including various African languages, which contribute to a more distinctive accent.

Regional Variations in South African English

The accent in Johannesburg features its own identifiable characteristics, quite different from the cultivated South African English. South Africans from solidly Afrikaner rural areas can often exhibit a labored, simplistic second language accent, markedly different from any UK accent. However, there are also pockets of South Africans with beautiful and elegant English delivery, often fluently bilingual in other African languages like Xhosa or Zulu.

Historical and Cultural Influence

In the 1960s, there was a global contest for the most perfect Standard English RP announcer, and a South African of Irish descent won the competition. This highlights the potential for South Africans to achieve a near-perfect RP accent, particularly with the right linguistic background and education.

Conclusion

While it is not common for English-speaking South Africans to have the RP English accent, certain individuals, especially those with cultivated backgrounds, can closely emulate this prestigious accent. The diversity of South African English accents reflects the rich and complex linguistic heritage of the region. Whether one speaks with a distinctively South African or more RP-like accent, the unique character of South African English remains a central part of the country's cultural identity.