E42 Want to sound British? You might regret it... (feat. Emma, from Pronunciation with Emma) - Advanced English listening practice

English and Beyond: Advanced English for Fluency & Communication

An episode featuring a proper pronunciation expert, Emma (from Pronunciation with Emma)!

In this episode of English and Beyond, we dive deep into the surprising world of British accents — and why they can cause so much tension, even within the UK.

From royal RP to the streets of Newcastle, accents in Britain are more than just a way of speaking — they’re loaded with class, culture, and even controversy. We are joined by our first special guest, the eponymous founder of Pronunciation with Emma, a pronunciation expert and linguist, to unpack the history, politics, and social perceptions of accents in the UK and beyond.

We discuss:

• Why one accent dominated British media for decades;
• How your accent can still affect your job prospects in 2025;
• The myth of "the" British accent — and how Americans (and Hollywood) often get it wrong;
• Emma’s favourite accent (spoiler: it’s not British!);
• What happens when learners want to sound like the Queen; and
• Why pronunciation and accent aren't the same thing.

👂 Ideal for advanced English learners interested in real-life language issues, identity, and communication.

🌍 Plus, Emma shares insights from her own journey as a Yorkshire-born pronunciation coach living in Spain.

👋 Connect with Emma: www.pronunciationwithemma.com
🔎 YouTube & Instagram: Pronunciation with Emma
🎙 Podcast: Pronunciation with Emma Podcast

📖 Want to improve your English even more?

• Read the full transcript & vocabulary flashcards → www.morethanalanguage.com
• Follow us on Instagram → @BritishEnglishandBeyond
• Watch us on Youtube → @englishandbeyondpodcast
• Email your thoughts or questions → [email protected]

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And remember, if this podcast is a little too tough for you, we have "English and Beyond: Intermediate English Podcast" too!