Short Stuff: Simple Spelling Movement
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explore the history of attempts to simplify English spelling. They discuss how notable figures from Benjamin Franklin to President Teddy Roosevelt have advocated for spelling reform, only to face resistance from the public and government. The episode highlights Roosevelt's failed 1906 executive action to simplify federal documents and the establishment of the Simplified Spelling Board by Andrew Carnegie, Mark Twain, and William James.
Clark and Bryant also examine why English spelling is particularly challenging, with its inconsistent pronunciation rules making it harder to learn than many other languages. The discussion touches on functional literacy rates in America and how advocates like Edward Ron Thaller believed that simplifying English could address illiteracy issues. The episode provides context on why spelling bees are almost uniquely an English-speaking phenomenon and how organic spelling changes have occurred throughout history.
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1-Page Summary
Historical Efforts to Simplify and Reform English Spelling
Efforts to reform English spelling have attracted notable advocates throughout history, from presidents to industrialists. In 1906, President Teddy Roosevelt attempted to mandate simplified spelling for 300 words in federal documents through executive action. However, he faced fierce resistance from both media and Congress, who seized on this issue during an election year. As Josh Clark notes, after Roosevelt "got his campaign hat handed to him by Congress," the spelling reform movement died down for decades.
Other Historical Advocates for Spelling Reform
Roosevelt wasn't alone in this endeavor. Earlier figures like Benjamin Franklin and Noah Webster also championed spelling simplification, meeting similar resistance. In the early 1900s, Andrew Carnegie and Mark Twain joined psychologist William James to establish the Simplified Spelling Board. According to Clark, their intent was to accelerate the natural evolution of English toward simpler conventions rather than waiting centuries for organic change. They proposed changes like spelling "know" as "noe," though these reforms never gained broad public acceptance.
English Spelling and Grammar Challenges
English is notoriously difficult to learn and spell due to its inconsistencies between spelling and pronunciation. Chuck Bryant highlights the irregularity of letter combinations like "G-H-T" in words such as "caught" and "drought," which lack consistent rules. While some simplifications have occurred organically—like "fish" evolving from "F-Y-S-H-E" or American spellings dropping the British "O-U" in "honor" and "color"—English still requires memorization over logic. This complexity is uniquely highlighted through spelling bees, which are almost exclusively an English-speaking phenomenon. Other countries rarely hold spelling bees in their own languages, underscoring how challenging English spelling truly is.
Literacy Rates and Functional Literacy in the U.S
Josh Clark explains that while America has a 99% basic literacy rate, functional literacy—the ability to handle everyday adult tasks like understanding tax forms—drops sharply. In fact, 21% of Americans, or about 71 million people, are functionally illiterate. In the 1970s, Edward Ron Thaller, chairman of the American Literacy Council, advocated for simplifying English spelling to address this problem. Thaller believed that the difficulties of learning English contributed to illiteracy, school dropouts, and ultimately to crime. Chuck Bryant adds that Thaller thought computers would facilitate this shift by automatically converting text into simplified forms, potentially smoothing the path toward widespread spelling reform.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- Many languages with regular spelling systems still experience functional illiteracy and educational challenges, suggesting that spelling complexity is not the sole or primary cause of illiteracy or social problems.
- English spelling, despite its irregularities, preserves etymological roots and connections to other languages, which can aid in understanding vocabulary and language history.
- Widespread spelling reform could create confusion and disrupt communication across generations, as older and newer forms would coexist for decades.
- The lack of public acceptance for past spelling reforms indicates that cultural attachment to traditional spelling may outweigh perceived benefits of simplification.
- Spelling bees, while highlighting English's complexity, also serve as educational tools that promote vocabulary development and cognitive skills.
- Organic changes in language tend to be more successful and widely adopted than top-down reforms, as seen in the gradual evolution of spelling over centuries.
- The cost and logistical challenges of implementing large-scale spelling reform (e.g., updating educational materials, retraining teachers, revising legal documents) could outweigh the potential benefits.
- Computers and technology can already assist with reading and writing through spellcheckers and text-to-speech tools, reducing the practical impact of spelling irregularities.
Actionables
- you can experiment with writing your daily to-do lists, grocery lists, or journal entries using your own simplified spelling system to notice which words feel unnecessarily complex and which changes make reading and writing easier for you
- Try spelling words exactly as they sound to you, like “enuf” for “enough” or “nite” for “night,” and see if this makes your notes faster to write or easier to read later. Over time, you’ll spot patterns in which spellings trip you up and which ones feel more natural, helping you understand firsthand how spelling complexity affects everyday writing.
- a practical way to help others struggling with English spelling is to create and share a personal cheat sheet of tricky words with simplified spellings alongside standard ones
- For example, if you know someone learning English or a child practicing spelling, make a list with pairs like “through – thru,” “doubt – dout,” and “receipt – reseet.” Use this as a reference or study aid, and encourage them to add their own confusing words to the list.
- you can challenge yourself to read aloud texts written in both standard and your own simplified spelling to notice how spelling influences pronunciation and comprehension
- Take a paragraph from a book or article, rewrite it phonetically or with your preferred simplified spellings, and read both versions out loud. Pay attention to which version feels more intuitive and whether the simplified version helps you pronounce or understand words more easily.
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Historical Efforts to Simplify and Reform English Spelling
Efforts to reform and simplify English spelling have a long history, attracting the attention and advocacy of presidents, writers, educators, and industrialists over the centuries.
Roosevelt's Failed Initiative to Simplify English Spelling
In 1906, President Teddy Roosevelt attempted to implement spelling reform through executive action. He issued an order to the official printer of the United States, mandating that all federal documents adopt the simplified spelling of 300 specific words. This initiative was intended as an experiment, but it quickly met fierce resistance. The media mocked Roosevelt, with political cartoons depicting him defeated in a boxing match by a dictionary. The real backlash, however, came from Congress. Roosevelt had bypassed the legislative branch with his order, provoking both public and congressional opposition. His political opponents, with few other points of contention against the generally popular president, seized upon this issue, especially with an election impending. Facing overwhelming resistance and ridicule, Roosevelt backed off, conceding, "You guys win. We'll just stay with the dumb rules of grammar and spelling that English has." As Josh Clark notes, after Roosevelt "got his campaign hat handed to him by Congress," the movement for spelling reform died down for decades.
Other Historical Figures Who Championed English Spelling Reform
The aspiration for spelling reform was not unique to Roosevelt. Earlier advocates included Benjamin Franklin and Noah Webster, both of whom encountered resistance similar to Roosevelt’s. Franklin had championed spelling simplification early in his career, and Webster is known for his efforts to standardize and simplify American English, though their proposed changes often met public disapproval.
In the early 1900s, other influential Americans also joined the reform movement. Notably, industrialist Andrew Carnegie and author Mark Twain, along with psychologist William James and even an unnamed Supreme Cour ...
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Historical Efforts to Simplify and Reform English Spelling
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The persistence of complex English spelling may reflect its adaptability and richness, allowing for distinctions in meaning, etymology, and pronunciation that simplified spelling could obscure.
- The lack of public acceptance for spelling reform suggests that the perceived benefits of simplification may not outweigh the cultural and practical value people place on traditional spelling.
- The failure of top-down reform efforts, such as Roosevelt’s executive order, could indicate that language change is more effectively driven by organic, grassroots evolution rather than by authoritative mandates.
- The resistance to spelling reform may stem from concerns about disrupting literacy, education, and communication for existing speakers, especially given the vast body of literature and documentation in traditional spelling.
- The involvement of prominent figures does not necessarily validate the merits of spelling reform, as widespread adoption depends ...
Actionables
- you can experiment with simplified spelling in your personal notes, grocery lists, or reminders to see which changes feel natural and which are confusing, helping you understand firsthand the challenges and benefits of spelling reform.
- a practical way to explore public resistance is to write a short message or social media post using your own version of simplified spelling, then observe and reflect on the reactions you receive from friends or followers.
- you can track w ...
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English Spelling and Grammar Challenges
English Is Tough to Learn and Spell Due to Inconsistencies
English is a notoriously difficult language to learn, especially when it comes to spelling. There have been repeated movements over the years attempting to simplify English spelling and make it more phonetic. For example, the Simplified Spelling Board, founded by Andrew Carnegie and Mark Twain, aimed to accelerate a natural process of easier spelling in English.
A striking illustration comes from Elizabethan England, when the word "fish" was spelled "F-Y-S-H-E." Over time, without any official directive, people simply began spelling it as "F-I-S-H," which is far simpler and more intuitive. This evolution happened organically rather than by decree, demonstrating how English spelling can shift toward simplification. Similarly, in the United States, words such as "honor" and "color" dropped the British "O-U" in favor of a simpler form, and "program" lost its concluding "M-E."
Spellings Often Misaligned With Pronunciations
Despite these organic simplifications, English still presents major inconsistencies between spelling and pronunciation. Chuck Bryant points out the irregularity of letter combinations like "G-H-T" in words such as "caught," "though," "draft," and "drought," illustrating the absence of clear or consistent rules. These contradictions make English hard to master because spellings often do not directly indicate how words are pronounced.
English Spelling and Grammar Require Memorization Over Logic
The spelling and grammar of English frequently defy logic, forcing learners and speakers to rely on memorization. Attempts at further reform, such as James Ruggles' proposal to spell "know" as "N-O-E" and the past tense "knew" as "node," have not succeeded. Even though these alternatives are more phonetically logical, literacy standards and social perceptions prevent their adoption. Using "knowed" instead of "knew" can make someone sound less intelligent, even if it is more logical according to pronunciation.
Spelling Bees Highlight English Spell ...
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English Spelling and Grammar Challenges
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Clarifications
- The Simplified Spelling Board was established in 1906 to promote easier, more phonetic English spelling. Andrew Carnegie, a wealthy industrialist and philanthropist, funded the board to improve literacy and education. Mark Twain, a famous American author, supported the cause due to his interest in language reform. Despite their efforts, the board's proposals faced resistance and were never widely adopted.
- In Elizabethan times, English spelling was not standardized, so words were often spelled phonetically or in various ways. The spelling "F-Y-S-H-E" reflects older or regional pronunciations and the lack of fixed rules. Over time, as printing and dictionaries became widespread, spellings standardized to forms closer to modern pronunciation, like "F-I-S-H." This shift helped unify English spelling for clearer communication.
- American English dropped certain British spellings like "honour" to "honor" mainly due to Noah Webster's efforts in the early 19th century. Webster aimed to create a distinct American identity and simplify spelling to make it more phonetic and easier to learn. His dictionaries popularized these simplified forms across the United States. This change was part of a broader movement to standardize American English separately from British English.
- The letter combination "G-H-T" appears in English words but is pronounced differently or not at all, causing confusion. In "caught," it sounds like "t," while in "though," it is silent. In "draft," the "gh" is absent, and in "drought," it sounds like "t." This inconsistency arises from historical changes in English pronunciation that spelling has not fully reflected.
- Social perceptions link traditional spelling with education and intelligence, so changing spellings can be seen as lowering standards. People often resist spelling reforms because they fear being judged as less competent or educated. Established spellings carry cultural and historical significance, reinforcing their continued use. This social pressure discourages widespread adoption of phonetic spellings.
- Spelling bees originated in the United States in the early 20th century as educational competitions to promote literacy and vocabulary skills. They became culturally significant as community and school events, emphasizing memorization and mastery of English spelling. The complexity and irregularity of English spelling make these contests uniquely challenging compa ...
Counterarguments
- Many languages have irregularities and exceptions in spelling and grammar; English is not unique in this regard.
- Some languages with phonetic spelling, such as Finnish or Spanish, still present other challenges for learners, such as complex grammar or pronunciation.
- The organic evolution of English spelling has allowed for the preservation of etymological roots, which can aid in understanding word origins and connections between languages.
- English's global spread and adaptability may be partly due to its flexible and evolving nature, including its spelling conventions.
- Spelling bees exist in some other languages, such as Hindi and French, though they may be less prominent than in Engl ...
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Literacy Rates and Functional Literacy in the U.S
U.S. High Basic, Low Functional Literacy Rate
Josh Clark explains that America has a 99% basic literacy rate, which is consistent with other English-speaking countries. This means that almost all Americans can read and understand basic English grammar. However, he points out that functional literacy—the ability to read and navigate adult life, such as understanding tax forms—drops sharply. In the U.S., 21% of Americans, or about 71 million people, are functionally illiterate. Chuck Bryant expresses surprise at this figure and reiterates that more than one in five Americans are unable to functionally read well enough to handle everyday adult tasks.
Reforming English Spelling and Grammar to Boost Literacy and Reduce Crime
Edward Ron Thaller: Simplifying English Can Address America's Crime Problem
Josh Clark notes that in the 1970s, Edward Ron Thaller, the chairman of the American Literacy Council, advocated for simplifying English spelling. Thaller believed that the difficulties of learning English contributed to high illiteracy rates ...
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Literacy Rates and Functional Literacy in the U.S
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While English spelling can be challenging, research suggests that factors such as socioeconomic status, quality of education, and access to resources play a much larger role in literacy and dropout rates than the complexity of English spelling alone.
- Many countries with complex orthographies (such as France or Denmark) do not have significantly higher crime rates or illiteracy rates than the U.S., indicating that language complexity is not the primary driver of these issues.
- There is limited empirical evidence directly linking English spelling complexity to crime rates; crime is a multifaceted issue influenced by numerous social, economic, and cultural factors.
- Functional illiteracy can also be attributed to issues such as learning disabilities, lack of educational support, and systemic inequalities, rather than solely to the difficulty of Eng ...
Actionables
- you can use your phone’s voice-to-text feature to dictate messages or notes, then review how the software interprets your speech to spot words or phrases that might be confusing for someone with lower functional literacy, helping you become more aware of everyday language barriers and adjust your communication for clarity.
- a practical way to support simplified English is to write personal notes, grocery lists, or reminders using intentionally phonetic or simplified spelling, then share them with family or friends to see if the meaning remains clear, which helps you experiment with and normalize easier spelling in daily life.
- you can volunteer to help someone you know (like a ne ...
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