| |
| Spelling Rules |
| syllables | Every syllable has one vowel sound. |
| c | C can be pronounced as /k/ or /s/. |
| c | C is pronounced as /s/ before an e, i, or y (cent, city, cycle). |
| c | It is pronounced as /k/ before everything else (cat, clip). |
| g | G is pronounced as /g/ or /j/. |
| g | G may be pronounced as /j/ before an e, i, or y (gem, giant, gym). |
| g | It is pronounced as /g/ before everything else (garden, glad). |
| q | Q is always followed by a u (queen). |
| f, l,s | Double the consonants f, l, and s at the end of a one-syllable word that has just one vowel (stiff, spell, pass). |
| k | To spell the sound of /k/ at the end of a word, we use ck or k. Use ck after a short vowel (sick). After everything else, use a k (milk). |
| a,e,o,u | A, e, o, and u usually say their name at the end of a syllable (a-pron, me, go, u-nit). |
| v, j | Words do not end in v or j. We add a silent-e at the end of the word (have). |
| I,o | I and o may be pronounced as /i/ and /o/ before two consonants (kind, sold). |
| j | /J/ is spelled dge after a short vowel (edge). |
It's nice, but needs to be more comprehensive and exhaustive. Obviously, it's impossible to do so, because of the inherent inconsistency of the English spelling, pronunciation, grammar and what not ? When will wisdom genuinely dawn on all the English-speaking nations of the globe to regularize, systematize, standardize and rationalize them to be TRULY a global language, ignoring their so-called 'speciality' [ nay, 'arrogance' ]. G.B.Shaw cries hoarse that when some 50 years ago the BBC tried to standardize them to an extent possible by inviting scholars from these nations but humiliatingly failed to reach a consensus even at the very two common words "yes" and "no" ! What then shall the global learners of this "conglomeration of derivatives of various defective languages to the core, mostly devoid of any logicality", think of the 'Intelligence' [ euphemistic ] of these native-speakers ? Let this right but harsh expression sensitize and rouse them all from their deplorably long stupor to make English a somewhat more logical language to justifiably deserve the status of a global language. The writer is a Professor of English [Retd.] with over 41 years of service at the tertiary level. Verily this catharsis is nothing but his genuine expression and concern to initiate steps for the improvement of this splendid language to be able to make it sustain the onslaught in the long run of a number of competing ones globally. Hence, let some immediate and concrete steps be taken in right earnest, getting invaluable impetus and inputs / suggestions from foreign Professors of English, as, naturally native-speakers of any language can not be earnestly empathetic to resolve issues of such a gigantic magnitude. Let us all unitedly make it happen gradually, by arranging for floating opinions from experts from all over the planet on a particular aspect of the language -- first, say, standardization / rationalization of some of its clumsy and confusing spelling-rules, taking into account its complications, like silent letters, doing away with the doubling of the final consonants, setting aside its regional peculiarities and stupifing inconsistencies. Eg. : What harm is going to be done to the language if we simply add "-ar / -er / -or " to the verb "develop" to simply / easily derive its noun form [ to refer to a person who develops sth.] instead of only "developer" ? Let us all take the observation in the right perspective and find out solutions to surmount such rampant inconsistencies in English. Sanskrit is acclaimed 'a perfect' language and make English likewise. Only with this aim is this letter addressed and hence be passed on to my global-brothern. Prof. V.K.Balan.
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