The Enigmatic Accent of Sir David Attenborough

When discussing the British broadcaster and natural historian, Sir David Attenborough, a common topic of interest is his accent. Despite his fame for a distinctive and instantly recognizable voice, Sir David's accent is often the subject of debate. Is it a refined Received Pronunciation (RP) with hints of London, as suggested by some, or is it influenced by his upbringing in Middlesex and Leicester?

The Received Pronunciation (RP) Accent

Attenborough's accent is primarily categorized as Received Pronunciation (RP), which is often associated with educated speakers, especially from areas like the southeast of England. RP is a socially prestigious accent found across the United Kingdom but traditionally associated with children who attended boarding schools. John Wells, one of the world's leading phoneticians, notes that Sir David "speaks RP. If you didn’t already know you surely wouldn’t be able to place him as coming from the east Midlands."

Wells goes on to highlight Attenborough's "excellent clarity of diction," which is often a hallmark of RP. He notes that Attenborough's voice has a distinct sound that is reminiscent of the BBC's announcers from the 1960s, often described as "posh." Despite these clear RP influences, critics who believe Attenborough's accent has more regional features argue over whether it sounds specifically southern, southeastern, or midlands.

Regional Influences and Hints of London

Many listeners, particularly those familiar with regional accents, argue that Attenborough’s accent has some characteristics of a London accent. This is perhaps most notable in his pronunciation of words like "grass," where he often uses a southeastern pronunciation of "ɡrɑs" rather than a "ɡras" sound typically associated with the Midlands or other regions. Attenborough's younger voice, as observed in the 1960s, does retain some of the more "posh" RP that was typical of Etonian BBC announcers of that era.

Jack Windsor Lewis, another prominent phonetician, has a slightly different take. Leaning on the north of England classification for Nottingham, it is rumored to have influenced Attenborough's accent. However, Windsor Lewis notes that this is a rare attribution given the supposed "northerly" classification of Nottingham. It's important to note that the classification of Nottingham as "northerly" is often seen as bizarre by many, and Attenborough spent much of his childhood close to Nottingham.

The Complexity of British Accents

The debate over Attenborough's accent underscores the complexity of regional accents in the UK. Accents in the UK are not just location-based and can be influenced by various factors, including education, family background, and social interactions. Attenborough’s ability to hide any clear regional influence, even though he grew up in Middlesex and Leicester, is a testament to his ability to maintain a refined RP.

While many might point to Attenborough's RP as a sign of his education and social status, there is no denying that his instantly recognizable voice has contributed significantly to his identity as a broadcaster and natural historian. His mastery of RP, combined with an awareness of his regional roots, allows him to maintain a unique and timeless sound that resonates with audiences across generations.

Conclusion

Whether one listens to Attenborough and hears a pure form of RP or hints of a regional influence, the debate itself highlights the complexity and richness of British accents. Sir David Attenborough's accent, refined and articulate, remains a subject of fascination for linguists and listeners alike, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of the United Kingdom.