"English Spelling and Spelling Reform" by Thomas R. Lounsbury is a serious study from the early 1900s that looks closely at the tricky and often illogical nature of English spelling and argues for spelling reform to fix these problems. The professor emeritus examines why it's hard to make changes to spelling and how people's ideas can get in the way. The book starts by talking about the negative reactions to a spelling change that a president ordered in 1906, with the author questioning the reasoning of those who disagreed with the order. He is clearly annoyed by the lack of new ideas in these criticisms and shares his thoughts on the complicated nature of English spelling, pointing out how strongly people feel about the way words are traditionally spelled. The beginning sets the stage for discussions about the wider spelling challenges that come up later, implying that we need to really understand the history and features of the language to deal with spelling problems effectively.
English spelling and spelling reform
By Thomas Raynesford Lounsbury
Explore the historic battle to simplify language as one man grapples with the world’s fierce resistance to reforming English spelling.
Summary
About the AuthorThomas Raynesford Lounsbury was an American literary historian and critic. He was born in Ovid, New York on January 1, 1838. He graduated from Yale College in 1859 with a B.A. and received a M.A. from Yale University in 1887. He later received honorary degrees from Yale University, Harvard University, Lafayette College, Princeton University, and Aberdeen College. He enlisted in the 126th New York Volunteers in 1862 and served in the Civil War as a first lieutenant.
Thomas Raynesford Lounsbury was an American literary historian and critic. He was born in Ovid, New York on January 1, 1838. He graduated from Yale College in 1859 with a B.A. and received a M.A. from Yale University in 1887. He later received honorary degrees from Yale University, Harvard University, Lafayette College, Princeton University, and Aberdeen College. He enlisted in the 126th New York Volunteers in 1862 and served in the Civil War as a first lieutenant.
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