BBC English

BBC English — the English spoken by the BBC’s announcers — has from the first days of broadcasting been recognized, both in Britain and abroad, as the standard; held up as an example for learners. Teachers of English as a foreign language advise their students to emulate what they hear on BBC World Service, to which I myself listen every morning that short wave reception allows it. Here, for instance, is an example from this morning’s news bulletin:

‘Of course, the Mexican government will want to big up his capture.’