BBC - Commissioning - Pronunciation

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Pronunciation

The BBC Pronunciation Research Unit is staffed by professional linguists and provides advice about pronunciations in all languages.

Our aim is to ensure that pronunciations used on the BBC are accurate and consistent, and our advice is free of charge to independent programme makers producing BBC programmes as well as BBC staff.

Please don't hesitate to telephone us to discuss your research requirements. We will require details of the programme and an idea of how quickly you need the advice. You can also post or fax scripts to us with the pronunciations marked. When you phone we can also discuss the best format for you to receive the pronunciations - we can give verbal advice down the phone or email a Word document to you. Queries can also be emailed, faxed or posted to us. Our contact details are in the Who's who.

Pronunciations can be given in either of two written phonetic spelling systems: the BBC Modified Spelling or text spelling. Guides to both these systems are available to download. In exceptional circumstances (e.g. if child actors are involved) we are also able to supply spoken pronunciations as digital sound files.