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Spelling reform Books
Best books
Thomas Raynesford Lounsbury
English spelling and spelling reform
"English Spelling and Spelling Reform" by Thomas R. Lounsbury is a scholarly treatise written in the early 20th century. The book discusses the complexities and inconsistencies of English orthography and advocates for spelling reform as a means to address these issues. The author, an emeritus professor, shares his thoughts on the challenges faced in promoting spelling changes and the societal attitudes that hinder progress. At the start, Lounsbury reflects on the backlash against spelling reform that arose after a presidential order was issued in 1906, critiquing the arguments presented by opponents. He expresses frustration at the lack of original thought in the critiques and shares his personal reflections on the complexities of English spelling, highlighting the strong emotional ties that society has to traditional spellings. The opening establishes a framework for discussing the broader orthographic challenges presented in the following chapters, suggesting the need for a thorough understanding of the language’s history and characteristics to effectively address these spelling issues.
Brander Matthews
Parts of Speech: Essays on English
"Parts of Speech: Essays on English" by Brander Matthews is a collection of essays focusing on the English language, likely written in the early 20th century. The essays emphasize the idea that the English language belongs to its speakers and explore its development, usage, and the factors influencing it over time. Matthews, a professor at Columbia University, discusses various aspects such as orthography, American versus British English, and the evolution of language through literature and culture. The opening of the text introduces Matthews' perspective on the English language, tracing its historical roots back to the time of King Alfred. He argues that literature is the key to forming a cohesive identity among its speakers, serving as a means to express ideals and preserve cultural heritage. The essays outline significant influences on the language, including the blending of various cultural elements and dialects from the Teutonic, Celtic, and Norman peoples. Matthews asserts that while the English language has evolved, retaining poetic qualities and individualistic characteristics, it continues to reflect the identity and creativity of those who speak it.
Marcel Boulenger
La Querelle de l'Orthographe
"La Querelle de l'Orthographe" by Marcel Boulenger is an essay written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the contentious debate surrounding the reform of French orthography, addressing the perspectives of philologists and traditionalists. Boulenger argues against the imposition of an orthographic reform, defending the complexity and beauty of the existing language as integral to its literary value. The opening of the essay establishes the context for this debate, illustrating the clash between advocates of orthographic reform and defenders of traditional spelling. Boulenger critiques the notion that linguists, despite their expertise, have the authority to dictate the evolution of contemporary language, emphasizing that true understanding of language requires a grasp of its nuances, history, and aesthetic qualities. He presents his thoughts on the delicate balance between preserving historical linguistic forms and advancing towards contemporary usage, highlighting the potential dangers of rushing change without due respect for tradition.
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