Readspel
Encyclopedia
Readspel is a new script
or writing system
invented by Kingsley Read. It is based on the Roman alphabet, but with new meanings for the letters, so that each symbol
represents a distinct phoneme
in the English language
, and, more importantly, each phoneme in English can be represented with only one symbol. This allows English to be written with the following advantages:
The adoption of Readspel would constitute a spelling reform
.
Writing system
A writing system is a symbolic system used to represent elements or statements expressible in language.-General properties:Writing systems are distinguished from other possible symbolic communication systems in that the reader must usually understand something of the associated spoken language to...
or writing system
Writing system
A writing system is a symbolic system used to represent elements or statements expressible in language.-General properties:Writing systems are distinguished from other possible symbolic communication systems in that the reader must usually understand something of the associated spoken language to...
invented by Kingsley Read. It is based on the Roman alphabet, but with new meanings for the letters, so that each symbol
Symbol
A symbol is something which represents an idea, a physical entity or a process but is distinct from it. The purpose of a symbol is to communicate meaning. For example, a red octagon may be a symbol for "STOP". On a map, a picture of a tent might represent a campsite. Numerals are symbols for...
represents a distinct phoneme
Phoneme
In a language or dialect, a phoneme is the smallest segmental unit of sound employed to form meaningful contrasts between utterances....
in the English language
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, and, more importantly, each phoneme in English can be represented with only one symbol. This allows English to be written with the following advantages:
- Spellings are based on how words sound, simplifying the process of learning to read and write for both children and those learning English as a second languageEnglish language learning and teachingEnglish as a second language , English for speakers of other languages and English as a foreign language all refer to the use or study of English by speakers with different native languages. The precise usage, including the different use of the terms ESL and ESOL in different countries, is...
. - PronunciationPronunciationPronunciation refers to the way a word or a language is spoken, or the manner in which someone utters a word. If one is said to have "correct pronunciation", then it refers to both within a particular dialect....
is evident from the spellingSpellingSpelling is the writing of one or more words with letters and diacritics. In addition, the term often, but not always, means an accepted standard spelling or the process of naming the letters...
, making it easier for native speakers to learn new words, as well as for non-native speakers to learn the language from written sources. - Writing is more compact.
The adoption of Readspel would constitute a spelling reform
Spelling reform
Many languages have undergone spelling reform, where a deliberate, often officially sanctioned or mandated, change to spelling takes place. Proposals for such reform are also common....
.