The idea of 'simplifying' the English written language has been hawked about by a deluded few, ever since any kind of standardisation in spelling was introduced. Very often the proponents hail from the stuffy world of academia, and use the fallacious argument that it will help children learn to read.
The latest call comes from Professor John Wells of the campaigning group The Spelling Society. He will say at their centenary speech:
"It seems to be a great pity that English-speaking countries are holding back children in this way. In Finnish, once you have learned the letters, you know how to spell, so it would be ludicrous to hold spelling tests."
Well, the spelling may be simpler but, according to Wikipedia:
"Finnish has fifteen noun cases: four grammatical cases, six locative cases, two essive cases (three in some Eastern dialects) and three marginal cases. Notice that the word in a given locative case modifies the verb, not a noun."
So it seems the main reason they scrimp on the spelling tests is that they're too busy working on the grammar.
Hopefully, the obvious lunacy of rewriting the English language to the lowest common denominator will fall on deaf ears, as ever. Changing the spelling so it is more phonetic completely ignores the broad differences in pronunciation, and this is but one reason against such an utter waste of time and energy.
The latest call comes from Professor John Wells of the campaigning group The Spelling Society. He will say at their centenary speech:
"It seems to be a great pity that English-speaking countries are holding back children in this way. In Finnish, once you have learned the letters, you know how to spell, so it would be ludicrous to hold spelling tests."
Well, the spelling may be simpler but, according to Wikipedia:
"Finnish has fifteen noun cases: four grammatical cases, six locative cases, two essive cases (three in some Eastern dialects) and three marginal cases. Notice that the word in a given locative case modifies the verb, not a noun."
So it seems the main reason they scrimp on the spelling tests is that they're too busy working on the grammar.
Hopefully, the obvious lunacy of rewriting the English language to the lowest common denominator will fall on deaf ears, as ever. Changing the spelling so it is more phonetic completely ignores the broad differences in pronunciation, and this is but one reason against such an utter waste of time and energy.
2 comments:
Wel he can sodd of.
Yeah, and his Speling Suseye E.T.
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