This essay focuses on • differences between US & British spelling.(abbreviated V). • Consonants=speech sounds created by partial or complete closure of part of the vocal tract (abbreviated C).
Vowels=speech sounds that shape but do not restrict airflow (abbreviate V). • Consonants=speech sounds create by partial or complete closure of part of the vocal tract (abbreviate C). • In this illustration, the air flow is exiting through the nose, but most sounds come through the mouth. Phonetics in English only loosely related to spelling. How many sounds/consonants/vowels in: a. through? b. Mike? c. forest? In IPA: a. θɹu b. maɪk c. fɔɹəst English spelling and etymology (word origins) English spelling: • often base on etymology (word origins) • this is why it is only loosely connected with phonetics (pronunciation)
US & British spelling are small: color vs colour An etymological example • standard English spelling: knight • origin: Old English • the “k” and “gh” were actually pronounce at the time when spelling was becoming standardize. • Since then, the “kn” blend has mostly been simplified to an “n” sound. • We no longer have the sound that was write “gh.”
Etymology is the study of the origins of words. The English language is living and growing. Although many of our words have been part of our language for many years, new words are added all the time. Following are various ways our language is influence.
Another way new words come into our language is through the development of products. Some examples include: Kleenex, Walkman, Scotch tape, Xerox, and Linoleum.