As a proofreader, the ability to spell accurately is an absolutely pivotal part of the role, and The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course tells you how to ensure spelling errors do not go uncorrected. But English spelling is often considered one of the most perplexing aspects of the language, notorious for its inconsistencies and irregularities. To understand why English spelling is so complicated, we need to delve into the rich and tumultuous history of the English language, explore its foreign influences, and examine the etymological roots of its vocabulary. This journey will illuminate how historical events, invasions, and cultural exchanges have shaped the way English words are spelled today.
The Origins of the English Language Old English (450-1150 AD) The roots of English spelling can be traced back to Old English, the earliest form of the English language. Old English was a Germanic language brought to Britain by the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th century. It had a complex system of inflection and was written using the runic alphabet before transitioning to the Latin alphabet after Christianization. Characteristics of Old English Spelling
Examples:
Middle English (1150-1500 AD) The arrival of the Duke of Normandy (AKA William the Conqueror) and his forces in 1066 brought far-reaching changes to the English language. The Normans spoke Old Norman, a dialect of Old French, which heavily influenced English vocabulary and spelling. Influence of Norman French
Examples:
Early Modern English (1500-1700 AD) The transition to Early Modern English was marked by the Renaissance and the invention of the printing press. These events standardized spelling but also introduced new inconsistencies. The Great Vowel Shift
Examples:
Foreign Influences on English Spelling English has borrowed words from numerous languages, each contributing to its spelling complexity. Latin and Greek Latin and Greek have significantly influenced English, especially in scientific, medical, and technical vocabulary. Examples:
French The influence of French continued beyond the Norman Conquest, particularly in areas of law, art, literature, and cuisine. Examples:
Other Languages English has also absorbed words from languages around the world due to trade, colonization, and cultural exchange. Examples:
Etymology and Spelling Understanding the etymology of words helps explain why English spelling can be so unpredictable. Etymology is the scientific study of the origin and evolution of a word's semantic meaning across time. Etymological Roots Words in English often retain spellings that reflect their etymological roots rather than their current pronunciation. Examples:
Spelling Retention from Original Languages Words borrowed from other languages often retain their original spelling, leading to inconsistencies in pronunciation. Examples:
The Role of Spelling Reforms Throughout history, there have been numerous attempts to reform English spelling to make it more logical and consistent. However, these efforts have largely been unsuccessful due to the entrenched nature of traditional spelling conventions and widespread resistance to change. Notable Spelling Reform Attempts
Examples of Simplified Spellings:
Conclusion The complexity of English spelling is a product of its rich and diverse history. From its Germanic origins and Norman French influence to the influx of Latin, Greek, and other foreign words, the evolution of English spelling reflects a tapestry of cultural and linguistic exchanges. While etymology provides clues to the origins of many spelling conventions, the irregularities and exceptions that characterize English spelling are a testament to the language's dynamic and adaptive nature. Despite attempts at reform, the idiosyncrasies of English spelling continue to be a challenging yet fascinating aspect of the language for both native speakers and learners alike. You can become a proofreader. Find out all about The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course here.
0 Comments
|
Details
Testimonials
“I am one of those many fools who paid a huge amount of money for a useless course. This book... has opened so many doors for me. I now look on Mike as my mentor as I embark on a career. Thank you Mike.” Emma Steel, Proofreader and International Structural Editor. “ I thoroughly enjoyed the course and am so glad that I decided to take it... the whole experience was invaluable. My proofreading service is now well established and your course played no small part in getting it off the ground.” Hache L. Jones, Proofreader. “I'd just like to thank you first of all for writing such a great, straight forward eBook, and then going above and beyond what I would even expect as a customer by providing us, completely free of charge, updated versions months later!” Rachel Gee, Trainee Proofreader. “What can I say? Worth every penny and then some! God Bless! This a fabulous course.” Teresa Richardson, Proofreader. “As someone who has effectively been proofreading for thirty years, I found Mike’s No-Nonsense Proofreading Course an invaluable introduction and a very useful practical guide to many aspects of this discipline. I can wholeheartedly recommend it as the ideal starting point, and much more besides.” Jeremy Meehan, Proofreader. Blog AuthorMy name's Mike Sellars and I'm an experienced proofreader and the author of The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course. Click here to find out more about me. The No-Nonsense Proofreading CourseA Fraction of the Cost of Other Proofreading Courses NOTE: Stock is currently limited to 10 per day, so we can continue to deliver exceptional after-sales service, answer queries and provide open-door support. Credit card and PayPal payments accepted. “As someone who has been proofreading for 30 years, I found Mike’s course an invaluable introduction and a very useful practical guide to many aspects of the discipline. I can wholeheartedly recommend it.” Jeremy Meehan, Proofreader. Still want to find out more? Click here. Proofreading Categories
All
Proofreading Archives
July 2024
|