Reading Comprehension: “Why can’t we spell English words phonetically?”

Good day everyone!

The following article was written by Esther Inglis-Arkell and we found it so interesting, we wanted to share it! This article might require a higher level of English than usual, but it is well worth it.

It will answer your questions of: “why isn’t English easier?”

Why can’t we spell English words phonetically?

The article explains how the mix of languages that created the modern English we speak today, has left us with many strange combinations that make English so hard to write as it is.

The original Celtic languages got mixed with Germanic and gave us Old English. Then the Normans arrived and brought a German-French language that combined with Old English. And finally, the Renaissance came with lots of Latin and Greek words that also added to what was spoken in Great Britain.

This is why we find silent letters that we don’t pronounce, for example “knot” is pronounced “not”. We also have multiple letters to make the same sound, for example “tough“, “fun” and “photo”.

Many times, people have tried to write English like it sounds. But can you imagine how strange that would be?

Have a guess and tell us what this sentence actually says (hint: it makes sense if you say it outloud!)

“Fainali, xen, aafte sam 20 iers ov orxogrefkl riform, wi wud hev a lojikl, kohirnt speling in ius xrewawt xe Inglis-spiking werld.”

Tell us what you think it says in the comment section below!