Advances in English spelling

Abstract

The topic "Advances in the Understanding of English Spelling" provides a provocative ambiguity. On the one hand it suggests the presentation of a summary of recent im~3rovements in spelling instruction; on the other it could suggest the realization that the usual teaching of spelling is totally inadequate for the demands of modern communication. Like reading, spelling is a means to an end; it provides the means of demonstrating learning, or sharing information and creative accomplishment with a larger audience than that reached by oral transmission. Equally important advantages are that the "message" may then be read rather than heard, greatly reducing the necessary amount of time for reception; the message will not be jeopardized by poor memory and oral transmission; the message is less subject to intentional alteration. The advantages of written over oral communication exist as much today as when writing was invented 5000 years ago, despite technological advances in both areas. However, in contrast to reading (the correct interpretation of correctly printed symbols), spelling (the transcription of sounds into correctly written symbols) is much more difficult. This basic difficulty is greatly complicated by additional demands of modern life; the greater quantity of written material demanded; the greater complexity of the content of the material; the more serious consequences of failure of communication, like the famous mistranslation of the word "ultimatum" in World War II contributing to the decision to use the atomic bomb. Evidence of inadequacy in the attainment of language skills deluges us on all sides: 1.5 million Americans cannot read at all (1970 Census); 8 million school children need academic help; 5 million job seekers are functionally illiterate; the average prison inmate has had 9 years of schooling