Examine the relationship between spelling and pronunciation in Old and Middle English and the attempts of reforms in orthography in later periods.Evaluate the reforms.

Subject  > Humanities Essays  > Linguistics

The Old and Middle English evolved with their influences from the languages of the ruling powers. Manuscripts provide evidence of the changes in orthography and hints at the changing pronunciation as the seat of power passed from the Germanic Anglo-Saxon to the French Norman. As a result, there was a constantly changing relationship from the phonemically characterised spelling of the Old English to one whose spelling may not reflect the pronunciation in the Middle English. The Old English (AD 450-1100) The ruling force that helped shape the Old English language was the Anglo-Saxons (AD 450-850). They hailed from some warrior tribes of Northern Germany such as Jutes, Angles and Saxons. (Graddol, 1996, p 41, 44-45) Their different linguistic background leads to a ...

... more familiar the word, the faster our minds process the words. For this reason, some words do not follow the phonemic rules but adapt the 'easily recognizable visual shape'. A constantly changing orthography will not facilitate the quick-search routine of the mind and eye as easily in the reading process. (Graddol, 2002, p 143) Besides the above reasons, a spelling reform will face resistance from cultural, political and economical sector. Pressure from those with vested interests in publishing and education would resist the changes. Political unrest and dissatisfaction might arise from a choice of any one domineering dialect. This, from the main influencer—UK, may spread confusion and chaos in language learning among the non-English speaking countries

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