Orthography

• The term ‘Orthography’ refers to the conventional spelling system of a language.

• This system revolves around accepted rules and standards on how words are spelled, how letters function, and how punctuation is used.

• It is important to note that orthography can change over time. This is because our language develops and adapts as societies evolve. Spellings that were once acceptable may fall out of use or be replaced with new spellings.

• An evident change in orthography in the history of English language is the shift from Middle English to Modern English spellings. This period experienced a vast reformation in spelling norms, partly due to the introduction of the printing press.

• The Great Vowel Shift, which occurred between the 15th and 18th centuries, also played a significant role in changing English orthography. The sounds of long vowels changed dramatically during this period, which in turn impacted on spelling practises.

• In the contemporary era, technology has continued to have a sizeable influence on orthography. Text-speak, for example, has brought about new spelling conventions such as ‘u’ for ‘you’ or ‘r’ for ‘are’.

• Furthermore, the global spread of English has contributed to orthographical variations. For example, American English and British English have different accepted spellings for some words. Colour (British) and colour (American) is a well-known example.

• Knowledge about changes in orthography deepens our understanding of language change and variation. It also helps in understanding more about sociolinguistic factors such as the influence of technology, immigration, trade, and colonisation on language.

• Always remember that orthographical changes do not occur in isolation; they are interlinked with other linguistic changes in phonology, semantics, and grammar.