Perception and accents

Traditionally certain accents carry more prestige in a society than other accents. This is often due to their association with the elite part of society. For example in the United Kingdom, Received Pronunciation of the English language is associated with the Queen and the upper class. Received Pronunciation is regarded as the official accent of the United Kingdom; like other official accents, it does not have to be representative of the majority of population. However, an official accent can also be viewed as the most widely spoken accent in a group. An example is General American English, the accent, defined somewhat less rigidly than RP, that is spoken by most elements of American English in America.

Certain European accents applied to speaking English are sometimes regarded by native English speakers as being "sexy". The French accent is an example. Different expression of an accent can be perceived as conveying a comical or joyous emotion. With the perception American culture to be on the rise in much of the world many youths in the developing world seek American accents as an instrument of success. In these countries, a Western accent may be quickly associated with tourists and thus economic prosperity.