Why people supported the creation of a standard English spelling system?

Common motives for spelling reform include quicker learning, cheaper learning, and making English more useful as an international auxiliary language. Reform proposals vary in terms of the depth of the linguistic changes and by their implementations.

Why might an understanding of the origin of words help pupils spelling?

A word’s etymology can help to explain why it is spelled in a particular way. This is useful for spelling words that have their origins in other languages and words that make use of graphemes that aren’t the ones we’re expecting.

When was British English standardized?

For English, the first Standard English was developed in the 15th and 16th centuries, and was based on dialects spoken in London and the East Midlands for spelling and grammar, and the accent of the high society in London for pronunciation (Nevalainen 2003: 133-134).

Why is etymology important for teachers?

With etymology, you start to understand the interconnectedness of language and culture, as well as the interconnectedness of history with language. You better understand the interconnectedness of words with each other and the way that words have brought people together and divided them over the centuries.

Why is it important to learn spelling?

Spelling is important for three reasons: Communication: Spelling is a critical component of communication. Literacy: Spelling and reading skills are closely related and help develop overall literacy. Employment: Spelling quality has a direct impact on employment opportunities.

How did the English spelling system change over time?

Early writers of this new English, such as Geoffrey Chaucer, gave it a fairly consistent spelling system, but this was soon diluted by Chancery clerks who re-spelled words based on French orthography. English spelling consistency was dealt a further blow when William Caxton brought the printing press to London in 1476.

When was the spelling reform introduced in the United States?

After the “International Convention for the Amendment of English Orthography” that was held in Philadelphia in August 1876, societies were founded such as the English Spelling Reform Association and American Spelling Reform Association.

How did the decline of the Anglo-Saxon Empire affect spelling?

It also affected spelling greatly, for various reasons. The most obvious is that the use of English in written documents was greatly reduced. English was no longer the dominant language for law and government, so the tendency toward standardization for Anglo-Saxon writing was essentially stopped in its tracks.

How did the printing press affect the English spelling system?

English spelling consistency was dealt a further blow when William Caxton brought the printing press to London in 1476. Having lived in mainland Europe for the preceding 30 years, his grasp of the English spelling system had become uncertain.