Description
This book narrates the history of English spelling from the Anglo-Saxons to the present-day, charting the various changes that have taken place and the impact these have had on the way we spell today. While good spelling is seen as socially and educationally desirable, many people struggle to spell common words like accommodate, occurrence, dependent. Is it our spelling system that is to blame, and should we therefore reform English spelling to make it easier to learn? Or are such calls for change further evidence of the dumbing-down of our educational standards, also witnessed by the tolerance of poor spelling in text-messaging and email? This book evaluates such views by considering previous attempts to reform the spelling of English and other languages, while also looking critically at claims that the electronic age heralds the demise of correct spelling.
About the Author
Simon Horobin is Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of Magdalen College. He has written extensively on the history of the English Language and is the author of An Introduction to Middle English and Chaucer's Language.
Reviews
... you're keen to explore the history of English spelling in greater depth? Plunge into this book, then! The Index is divided into two types: word and subject. This helps the book become a handdy reference source after first reading. Highly recommended. * Catherine Petherick, SfEP Magazine *
[A] lucid and fascinating study. * Patrick West, Times Literary Supplement *
This book is a sane, comprehensive and authoritative lesson in why we spell the way we do and why, in order to preserve the richness, subtlety and history of our language, it is right that we keep doing so. * Simon Heffer, New Statesman *
There's plenty of interesting information here ... Horobin is a sane, sensible guide * Henry Hitchings, The Guardian *
Book Information
ISBN 9780199665280
Author Simon Horobin
Format Hardback
Page Count 282
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 221mm * 141mm * 22mm
About the Author
Simon Horobin is Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of Magdalen College. He has written extensively on the history of the English Language and is the author of An Introduction to Middle English and Chaucer's Language.
Reviews
... you're keen to explore the history of English spelling in greater depth? Plunge into this book, then! The Index is divided into two types: word and subject. This helps the book become a handdy reference source after first reading. Highly recommended. * Catherine Petherick, SfEP Magazine *
[A] lucid and fascinating study. * Patrick West, Times Literary Supplement *
This book is a sane, comprehensive and authoritative lesson in why we spell the way we do and why, in order to preserve the richness, subtlety and history of our language, it is right that we keep doing so. * Simon Heffer, New Statesman *
There's plenty of interesting information here ... Horobin is a sane, sensible guide * Henry Hitchings, The Guardian *
Book Information
ISBN 9780199665280
Author Simon Horobin
Format Hardback
Page Count 282
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 221mm * 141mm * 22mm
