An English Orthography

David Freeman claims that writing has been a part of human culture for many years, with the earliest systems including ideographic and pictographic elements. However, these systems were portrayed by many writers as being troublesome since each word was represented by a separate symbol, which was difficult to memorize. In the years that followed, a theory of the representation of word sounds by signs in oral language—particularly the consonants—was established. Greek is the language that originally used vowels and consonant letters. Yvonne clarifies that many individuals have called for spelling improvements and the requirement that every word be written exactly as it sounds. This is due to how nonsensical the existing system is. Nonetheless, Yvonne explains that this will make writing easier but be a hindrance to reading. Therefore, a change in the spelling system in an attempt to reflect pronunciation is impossible.

David, on the other hand, indicates that students have to delve into the current system in efforts to make generalizations to account for the manner in which the various sounds are spelled. Orthography is the set of rules that are used in determining the correct way of spelling and writing a given language. This also includes word breaks and punctuations. Patterns of spellings or “graphotactics” illustrate how vowel sounds are pronounced (Freeman and Freeman 110). Also, keeping sound connection is essential in establishing meanings that are linked to related words. In fact, a teacher has to understand that when students investigate spellings, they become better spellers. Also, the students learn the skills of science and thus start to approach language using linguistic rules.

Implications and Application

English orthography outlines the developmental history of writing. Through this, the teacher should make the students do in-depth research on given types of writing like Egyptian hieroglyphics. From this, the students have to make a detailed report on the system. This chapter also outlines differences in spelling between American and British English. In application, students should compile more differences. It is evident that three critical factors shape the spelling system including etymological, semantic, and phonetic. In applying this, one has to find words which simply manifest the effects of every one of these forces. The importance of the reforms will also prove to be significant to language, and an examination into the reasons why this should be adopted has to be highlighted. One has to understand from the readings that homonym riddles are essential in helping the students become aware that there are words which sound same but they are spelled in a different way. In application, these homonym riddles have to be stated by students and practiced.

Questions

The history of English orthography is interesting and gives insights of how spelling and pronunciation of English words started in early history. However, the question of how students can learn the means of spelling is critical. Also, questions arise on the way spelling words have to be selected and organized. This has to be done in a manner that will facilitate the application, awareness and the understanding of the patterns. Again, the way of establishing the student’s spelling level is a question that has to be addressed. Perhaps, the most striking factor focuses on what type of spelling strategies should be taught in schools. This strategy has to facilitate learning and support the need to understand spellings and writing. The problem of assessing how students’ progress in the entire English orthography framework is a vital question which needs answers. With this, the teachers will be able to access if the application strategies are effective and understand the students’ progressing level.

Work Cited

Freeman, David E, and Yvonne S Freeman. Essential Linguistics. New York. Vicki Kasabian Production