Does American English Have a Prestige Accent?
Unlike British English, which has a widely recognized prestige accent in the form of Received Pronunciation (RP), American English does not have a single, universally agreed-upon prestige dialect. However, certain accents in American English carry prestige in various contexts, and these are often a blend of local, regional, and British features.
The Absence of a Standard Dialect in American English
While General American English (GA) is considered the 'standard' form of American English, it is not necessarily the most prestigious. In the absence of a recognized ' RP' equivalent, American English has evolved several accents that are considered prestigious within certain contexts but lack the formal recognition that
historical accents like Mid-Atlantic English once had.
Low Prestige Accents in American English
Many regional and ethnic dialects in American English are often associated with lower prestige due to classism and racism. These include Southern American English, Appalachian English, African American English (also known as African American Vernacular English or Ebonics), Chicano English, and Native American English. These accents are discriminated against based on stereotypes and can be met with societal discrimination.
The Historical Prestige of Mid-Atlantic English
From the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, one of the most prestigious accents in America was Mid-Atlantic English. This accent was spoken by the upper class in the Northeastern United States and incorporated features from Received Pronunciation (RP), which was the prestige dialect of British English.
Although this accent was used by some actors and public figures in the early to mid-20th century, it is not as commonly heard today in everyday speech. You might still catch hints of it in older American films, often making it a nostalgic and historically intriguing accent.
Canadian Dainty and Its Similarity to Mid-Atlantic
Across the border in Canada, a prestige dialect known as “Canadian Dainty” once existed. This accent incorporated RP features and was very similar to Mid-Atlantic English. Due to the great similarity between General Canadian and General American English, Canadian Dainty sounded very similar to Mid-Atlantic English.
Modern Perceptions and Influences
Today, non-English speakers often prefer the General American accent or Californian accent partly due to Hollywood's influence. However, among native English speakers, Received Pronunciation (RP) is still considered the most prestigious accent globally, as it is often associated with class and sophistication.
Similarly, the prestige dialects of Australian and South African English reflect more RP influence, indicating a cultural connection between these accents and RP. Australians, in particular, often consider American accents to be uneducated and annoying, whereas RP is seen as classy and cultured.
Commonly Cited Prestige Accents in American English
Several accents in American English are associated with prestige in various contexts, but they are not as formally recognized as RP in British English. These accents include:
1. General American (GA)
General American is the standard form of American English, intended to be neutral and free of regional markers. It is widely used in the media and education.
2. Mid-Atlantic Accent
The Mid-Atlantic accent was historically associated with the American upper class and is characterized by a blend of American and British pronunciation features. It was notably used in early to mid-20th century American media.
3. Newscaster English
Many broadcasters and newsreaders in America typically speak in a neutral, standard form of English that sounds quite similar to General American and Mid-Atlantic accents.
These accents, while associated with prestige, vary in their impact depending on context, region, and social factors. The perception of an accent's prestige can shift and change over time, influenced by societal norms, cultural trends, and the evolving nature of language.