An Introduction to the English Writing System
A first-time focus on the theory of English orthography
- Provides an entry-level introduction, preparing you for more advanced textbooks and reference titles in English orthography
- Illustrates links between orthography and phonology, morphology, syntax and lexicography, as well as the semantics and pragmatics of English
- Includes exercises, worked examples, recommendations for further reading and a glossary to clearly illustrate key ideas and concepts
- Offers a comprehensive theoretical coverage of various linguistic approaches to understanding ‘writing’ in English
Engages with interdisciplinary approaches to the English writing system
This textbook introduces orthographic theory (sometimes referred to as grapholinguistics). If you are taking courses in English language and linguistics, and particularly those studying the English writing system, this book will provide you with an accessible and engaging entry point into this fascinating topic. Each chapter discusses the English writing system with reference to key linguistic areas like phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicography, semantics and pragmatics.
You will be introduced to basic working definitions of writing systems theory, including orthography, spelling, punctuation, capitalisation and the differences between spelling and orthography and between writing system and script. The book also discusses digital communication, emojis, register-specificity in writing and the social aspects of spelling, and embraces design elements such as alignment, page layout and abbreviations, as well as aspects of visualisation such as calligraphy – all of which have not always been regarded as constitutive components of English writing in the past.
Figures and Tables
Acknowledgements
Foreword
PART I
1. Modes of Communication
2 Introducing Writing Systems
3. A Complex Writing System
PART II
4. Main Components
5. Punctuation
6. Capitalisation
PART III
7. Sociology and Bibliography
8. Psychology and Literacy
9. Conclusion
References
Glossary
Index
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