English Spelling Options

[blackdog]

Our esteemed star headmaster (whose name will probably also appear as 4 stars). Paul **** has spoken out about children reading books with US spellings:
http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2012/focus-o...ire-headteacher

One of the words criticised was a totally invented word ‘ahold’.

Now it is self evident that all words are totally invented - or we wouldn't have them. So the implication that is that the author of the offending book had made it up as he or she wrote it. Mr **** needs to do his homework! The earliest recorded use of 'ahold' (according to the reputable Merriman-Webster dictionary) was in 1855. A great many words have been invented since 1855 - perhaps Mr **** would also like us not to use new-fangled words like 'computer', 'aircraft', 'internet' or 'super-head'.

[Biker1]

Our esteemed star headmaster (whose name will probably also appear as 4 stars). Paul **** has spoken out about children reading books with US spellings:
http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2012/focus-o...ire-headteacher

One of the words criticised was a totally invented word ‘ahold’.

Shouldn't that be criticized?

[JeffG]

The earliest recorded use of 'ahold' (according to the reputable Merriman-Webster dictionary) was in 1855.

Merriam-Webster (sic) is an American dictionary. It may well be reputable in the USA.

[On the edge]

Merriam-Webster (sic) is an American dictionary. It may well be reputable in the USA.

It's reputable worldwide.

[Squelchy]

It's reputable worldwide.

Wasn't it American books that D*cks was complaining about though? (and, by extension, the gradual 'Americanisation' of our language?

[JeffG]

Wasn't it American books that D*cks was complaining about though?

Yes, and specifically in primary schools, where children may not have enough experience of language to understand the differences.

[Andy Capp]

I think TV and film will have a greater impact on modern language (and behaviour) than any book.

[On the edge]

I think TV and film will have a greater impact on modern language (and behaviour) than any book.

Just as they have through the ages.

[On the edge]

Wasn't it American books that D*cks was complaining about though? (and, by extension, the gradual 'Americanisation' of our language?

Read Bryson's Made in America - a good linguistics primer. The Amercians might have something to say about us damaging the language the founding fathers took with them. Great thing about English, it evolves and so it surves.

[JeffG]

I think TV and film will have a greater impact on modern language (and behaviour) than any book.

Yes, and it's sad to know that many children do not have access to books in their own homes.

Incidentally, while browsing, I came across this:

The equivilent of 600,000 pupils shun books altogether and a quarter study only one novel during the average school year, it was disclosed.
Teachers are increasingly dependant on bite-sized extracts – rather than whole books – to meet the demands of the National Curriculum and school tests, researchers said.

And this is coming from the Telegraph's Education Editor!

[dannyboy]

I think TV and film will have a greater impact on modern language (and behaviour) than any book.

Language maybe, but spelling?

[Andy Capp]

Language maybe, but spelling?

Wasn't it American books that D*cks was complaining about though? (and, by extension, the gradual 'Americanisation' of our language?

[dannyboy]

Yes,

but films use the same sounding language - such as colour & color but it is books which will teach kids to spell incorrectly......

[Andy Capp]

Yes,

but films use the same sounding language - such as colour & color but it is books which will teach kids to spell incorrectly......

TV and Film bring new words (which was another thing being complained of in the OP) and usage, but I'd also suggest that an Internet browser will have a greater impact on spelling than books.

****, just broke my curfew... I'm going off to find something less pompous to do.

[On the edge]

Mark Twain had a good view on spelling. Internet browsers are likely to have a reverse effect - fuzzy logic defeats our old 'like for like' matching. Shakespeare, George V and a whole long list couldn't spell. In the spirit of the thread, I'd suggest that there are other things to worry about - such as getting our kids used to using more than one language.

[On the edge]

TV and Film bring new words (which was another thing being complained of in the OP) and usage, but I'd also suggest that an Internet browser will have a greater impact on spelling than books.

****, just broke my curfew... I'm going off to find something less pompous to do.

Been trying on caps then?

[dannyboy]

Mark Twain had a good view on spelling. Internet browsers are likely to have a reverse effect - fuzzy logic defeats our old 'like for like' matching. Shakespeare, George V and a whole long list couldn't spell. In the spirit of the thread, I'd suggest that there are other things to worry about - such as getting our kids used to using more than one language.

You mean like English & Polari?

[On the edge]

You mean like English & Polari?

Ho.Ho. such wit!

[Dodgys smarter b...]

"English? Who needs that? I'm never going to England! "

Homer J. Simpson.

[Penelope]

"English? Who needs that? I'm never going to England! "

Homer J. Simpson.

Ah yes good old Homer J, where would we be without the scion of Shakespeare.