Perhaps one of the most difficult things to learn in the English language is spelling. There are so many rules to memorize, and even more exceptions that have to keep in mind. Some talks have been going on about simplifying English words in order to avoid confusion among learners and to make learning the language simpler. Others even argue that spelling is not a part of the language as it is only a part of writing. Amidst all these discussions, a debate about taking out spelling rules has started. Those who are pushing for such change argue that language is evolving, and this is even truer with the advent of technology, where textism, a term which is a product of such time, has become more common. On the other hand, people who don’t agree with this idea strongly argue that while learning how to spell may prove to be difficult, especially for young learners, spelling rules provide standards that make communication clear and effective, and this itself proves to be a rather strong argument.
While it is true that language is alive and breathing, and thus continues to evolve, it is important to have a standard that everyone could understand in order for effective communication to ensue. The influx and apparent popularity of new words being formed through the use of technology prove that language is evolving. These days, acronyms and numbers are commonly used as words or as substitutes to words. However, where these acronyms came from are words which were based on standards. For instance, LOL comes from the words “laughing” and “out,” which are both spelled based on standards. Lee Simmons in his article “Why spelling still matters in the digital age” published in 2012 in Wired magazine, explains that how one spells words is not the issue, but that there should be a consensus on how certain words should be spelled. He further explains that even technology such as the Internet itself works on a set of standards which enable people with devices to communicate (Simmons).
Simmons also discusses that while textism and new words coined and popularized through technology are now widely used and understood by many, they are mostly used in private conversations with friends and other people we know. In most cases, these terms are only understood by the members of a group who are using them, similar to a jargon which is exclusively used by those who belong in a certain group. In this instance, having a standard in spelling is not necessary as the use of misspelled, acronyms, or substitute words is the essence of the group which defines their exclusivity. However, in situations such as drafting a law or writing materials for publication, spelling rules should be followed in order for the to be easily understood.
Another argument about why spelling rules should remain concerns people who have problems in reading, such as those with dyslexia. Reading rules serve as a rubric for people with this disorder, and therefore helps them learn how to read and adapt well to the words. Absence of spelling rules would present more problems for people like them, and as such boundaries on how words should be spelled must be established instead of simply allowing them to write any which way they wish to. In the same manner, reading is also possible because of spelling standards. If children don’t learn how to spell properly, it would be even more difficult for them to read, especially texts and literature which teaches history and culture. These are things that develop identity, so is language which is also an output of history.
While Anne Trubeck, in her article “Proper spelling? It’s tyme to let luce!” argues that spelling rules are mere “arbitrary contrivances” which cause more confusion than clarity with its rules which are even outnumbered by the exceptions (2012), these variations in the way words are spelled had its roots from history. Words have their own origins, and this makes them a rich source of information that define the culture of a society from which they come from. This is clearly explained through the example provided by Simmons in his article, the word “wine” does not have the letter “g” in the word “sign” because this word came from the Latin word “signum,” as in “signature.” Words represent something from the culture and country where they came from, and this is as important to learn. As time passed by, some words have also undergone an evolution in terms of how they are pronounced, and some, the way they are spelled. These changes are part of the development of the standards in spelling, at the same time they also abide by the spelling rules which are already established.
It may be true that spelling is difficult to learn, but this does not mean that the rules should be neglected. Taking out spelling rules is similar to living in a society where there are no rules to follow. While everyone is allowed to do what they want to do, like people are allowed to spell words the way they wish to, there is no point where people could agree on, and as such chaos is sure to result. This may not be as grim when compared to language and communication, but to take out spelling rules altogether could lead to the lack of understanding and possible increase of misunderstanding among people. Young learners may find it hard to learn spelling rules, which may cause a delay in learning the language itself, but when one fully understands and learns the core, it won’t seem as tough as when one is just starting to learn it (Simmons). As such, spelling rules should remain, while evolution and development of new variants should also be encouraged.
Works Cited
Simmons, Lee. “Why spellling still matters in the digital age.” Wired. 31 Mar 2012. Web.
Trubeck, Anne. “Proper spelling? It’s tyme to let luce!” Wired. 31 Jan 2012. Web.
23 Mar 2016.
