ENGLISH ORTHOGRAPHY Meaning and
Definition
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English orthography refers to the standardized system of spelling, writing, and representing the sounds of the English language. It encompasses the rules, conventions, and symbols used to transcribe the spoken language into written form. English orthography includes both phonetic and non-phonetic aspects.
Phonetic aspects refer to the representation of sounds through letters and letter combinations, allowing individuals to accurately pronounce and understand the words they encounter. This involves the mapping of phonemes (distinct speech sounds) to graphemes (written symbols), which can sometimes be complex due to the various ways sounds can be produced and perceived.
Non-phonetic aspects, on the other hand, are not directly tied to the sound of a word. These include considerations such as word origins, historical developments, and etymology. English orthography often preserves the historical spelling of words, even if they no longer correspond exactly to their current pronunciation, which can sometimes lead to inconsistencies and irregularities.
English orthography has gradually evolved over centuries, influenced by historical events, language borrowings, and changes in pronunciation. Despite efforts to standardize spelling through dictionaries and educational systems, English orthography continues to pose challenges due to its complexity and lack of strict correspondence between phonemes and graphemes.
Overall, English orthography serves as the framework that allows written English to be accessible, readable, and understandable, enabling effective communication and the preservation of the language as a whole.
Etymology of ENGLISH ORTHOGRAPHY
The word "orthography" comes from the Greek roots "ortho", meaning "straight" or "correct", and "graphia", meaning "writing". It refers to the art or practice of correct writing or spelling.
The term "English" stems from the Old English word "Englisc", which originally referred to the Germanic people known as the Angles, who settled in England in the 5th and 6th centuries. Over time, the term came to refer to the language spoken in England and the writing system associated with it. Therefore, "English orthography" specifically pertains to the correct spelling and writing system used for the English language.
