Variation in Word and Sentence Pronunciation among British Public Figures

Authors

  • Michelle Putri Al-fitroh Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Negeri Mandailing Natal Author
  • Siti Nia Rahma Dani Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Negeri Mandailing Natal Author
  • Salsabila Lubis Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Negeri Mandailing Natal Author
  • Mei Khopipah Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Negeri Mandailing Natal Author
  • Suadi Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Negeri Mandailing Natal Author

Keywords:

pronunciation variation, British public figures, dialects, speech characteristics

Abstract

The study examines whether, in the everyday communication of British public figures, they enounce words and sentences differently. This research focuses on more realistic pronunciation characteristics, addressing the specifics of clarity, stress, rhythm, and other speech-related phenomena (rather than complex phonetic symbols). This research primarily examines how distinct dialects serve as indicators of social background, cultural identity, and occupational role in British society. These data were from interviews, speeches, and public appearances by selected participants, including Emma Watson, Adele, Rishi Sunak, and David Beckham. The analysis uses a qualitative approach based on word formation and sentence delivery. The discoveries are evidence that some speakers have clear, formal pronunciation features. In contrast, others rely on a more relaxed and natural speaking feel, by dropping certain syllables or linking words in sentences.” These variations suggest that pronunciation plays a significant role in conveying identity and communication style within British culture.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

British Broadcasting Corporation. (2026). BBC Learning English. bbc.co.uk

Crystal, D. (2019). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Hidayat, R. (2019). Sociolinguistic Analysis of British Singers’ Accents. Degruyter.

Hughes, A., Trudgill, P., & Watt, D. (2022). English Accents and Dialects: An Introduction to Social and Regional Varieties of English in the British Isles (5th ed.). Routledge.

Khan, A. (2022). Sociolinguistic shifts in modern British media: A study of public speech patterns. Journal of Phonetics and Linguistics, 15(2), 112-125.

Kortmann, B., & Upton, C. (2008). Varieties of English: The British Isles. Degruyter.

Labov, W. (2006). The Social Stratification of English. Cambridge University Press.

Morisson, L., & Goldstein, P. (2023). Acoustic analysis of Estuary English and Received Pronunciation among modern British politicians. English Today, 39(1), 45-58.

Patel, S. (2021). The evolution of Received Pronunciation and dialect accommodation in British public speaking. World Englishes, 40(3), 201-216.

Roach, P. (2009). English Phonetics and Phonology. Cambridge University Press.

Smith, J., & Patterson, L. (2015). Public Figures and Speech Accommodation. Oxford University Press.

Trudgill, P. (2000). Sociolinguistics. Penguin Books.

Turner, J. R. (2024). Glottal stopping and speech variations among contemporary British public figures. Language in Society, 53(2), 189-204.

Wells, J. C. (1982). Accents of English. Cambridge University Press.Williams, E. (2022). Perceptions of identity and class through pronunciation in contemporary Britain. British Journal of Sociolinguistics, 8(4), 310-325.

Downloads

Published

2026-06-02

How to Cite

Variation in Word and Sentence Pronunciation among British Public Figures. (2026). RUMI: Rumah Jurnal Ilmiah Multidisiplin, 1(3), 120-124. https://journal.lenteramulia.org/index.php/rumi/article/view/131