Some thoughts on Spelling !

PCH (Paul) · #1 10-10-2009, 06:28 PM

I know it's been mentioned on here more than once - spelling that is. I myself am a real stickler for it and generally prefer to see things spelled correctly.

But it has been argued that spelling doesn't really matter, and that to get the message across is the important thing. So, - does it really matter? Well from the point of view of our minds' ability to decipher words, it appears it doesn't much matter.

I saw the following some time ago. It demonstrates the power of the mind to make up for incorrect spelling quite conclusively. For those who haven't seen it, have a look .....

Just a word of warning. It may not be quite such a great demo for those for whom English isn't their first language.

Here goes ....

" More Brain Stuff . . From Cambridge University .

Olny srmat poelpe can raed tihs.
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rgh it pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs psas it on !!

Cool huh ?!

astroron (Ron) · #2 10-10-2009, 06:35 PM

An oldie but a goody

But then again if you can spell why not make the effort to do it

bobson (Bob) · #3 10-10-2009, 06:47 PM

It would be nice if there is no need for spelling.
Consider word like:

STOP

The one everyone understands all around the world.

And then consider:

EWE

Female sheep, go figure?

Silent letters, if they are not pronounced why do we need them?

KNIGHT
KNIFE

Do we need double letters,

And then "C" "K" "CC" and so on...

I am happy my name BOB I can spell even backwards

cheers

Kevnool (Kev) · #4 10-10-2009, 06:54 PM

I dont feel bad now when i make a typo cause you will all still be able to understand it.

I feel better now.

Cheers Kev.

kinetic (Steve) · #5 10-10-2009, 06:57 PM

Oh Kev, when do you ever make typos mate?

Steve

mac (Matt) · #6 10-10-2009, 09:02 PM

The thing about that example from Cambridge is that the words are complete - every letter is present in each word - just in the wrong order. So when we look at the shape of the word, we're looking at both the first and last letters, and also the length and shape of it.

What happens with a lot of spelling errors is that letters get left out, or the wrong letters are used altogether. I've seen some shockers in these forums! But sigh, I tolerate you all anyway...

Kevnool (Kev) · #7 10-10-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kinetic

Oh Kev, when do you ever make typos mate?

Steve

All da tyme......

.

Cheers Kev.

MrB (Simon) · #8 10-10-2009, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac

The thing about that example from Cambridge is that the words are complete - every letter is present in each word - just in the wrong order. So when we look at the shape of the word, we're looking at both the first and last letters, and also the length and shape of it.

What happens with a lot of spelling errors is that letters get left out, or the wrong letters are used altogether. I've seen some shockers in these forums! But sigh, I tolerate you all anyway...

Yep, I had a little stumble when I got to "the rgh it pclae."

bobson (Bob) · #9 10-10-2009, 09:13 PM

The fact is there is no need for spelling. There are many languages without it. Its about time someone starts simplifying it. USA is more keen than some hard core English speaking nations who are even proud the way things are.

bob

matt · #10 10-10-2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobson

The fact is there is no need for spelling.

The fact is....I don't agree.

bobson (Bob) · #11 10-10-2009, 09:39 PM

Matt,

Can you speak any other language besides English?

cheers

bob

stephenb (Stephen) · #12 10-10-2009, 09:40 PM

I can only speak for myself here. I will type everything as correct as possible, including all spelling and punctuation. I do not use the latest acronyms, such as FYI, IIRC, etc. and I will always use a dictionary to correct my posts prior to posting. My only issue (I've been told), is that I use commas too often in sentences. I think this is a result of my speech habits due to my job, because I tend to speak clearly and audibly, resulting in a lots of pauses in my speech. This translates into lots of commas in my typing.

What I do not like on forums such as IIS, the the blatent misuse of spelling, lack full stops, no capitals or any form of punctuation. I feel that this is a representation of today's internet usage.

JethroB76 (Jeff) · #13 10-10-2009, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenluceskies

puncuation

mac (Matt) · #14 10-10-2009, 09:48 PM

Haha, you beat me to it Jethro!

And Bob, which languages are you referring to which don't have spelling? I've been to many countries and seen and heard dozens of different languages, and they all had spelling.

Pronunciation can be an issue though! One time I was in France, and was thanking a bartender "merci beaucoup" (thank you very much), but he thought I said "merci, beau queue", which means "thank you - nice bum".

bobson (Bob) · #15 10-10-2009, 09:59 PM

My second language is SerboCroation. Neither Serbian nor Croation language have spelling.

All words are spelled as they are pronounced, and, consequently, pronounced as they are spelled.

When I worked for Duty Free Shop there were many Japanese students working with us and they said in Japanese language there is no spelling either.

bob

stephenb (Stephen) · #16 10-10-2009, 10:11 PM

I left an error in there to see how many posts before it was detected. I made a personal bet that it would have taken five posts, and you clearly beat me on that one.

astroron (Ron) · #17 10-10-2009, 10:19 PM

You have not corrected your punctuation?

marki · #18 10-10-2009, 10:24 PM

These threads always end up in tears. If you are publishing something for general sale, grammer and spelling need to be spot on. If you are are replying to a post on a thread you do not need a proof reader nor should you

. It would stifle most communication around here and people would become reluctant to post. Those of you who are highly literate will just have to come to terms with that. Funny thing is everytime this comes up many of the folk demanding perfection post replies full of mistakes.

Mark

stephenb (Stephen) · #19 10-10-2009, 10:26 PM

Thank you Ron, done.

but IMO i dont lik it whn people tolk lik this on forums witoout any corect speeling in there centencs that reely anoys me fwiw

stephenb (Stephen) · #20 10-10-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marki

These threads always end up in tears. If you are publishing something for general sale, grammer and spelling need to be spot on. If you are are replying to a post on a thread you do not need a proof reader nor should you

. It would stifle most communication around here and people would become reluctant to post. Those of you who are highly literate will just have to come to terms with that. Funny thing is everytime this comes up many of the folk demanding perfection post replies full of mistakes.

Mark

You are correct Mark, I don't lose sleep over the odd spelling error, the odd errant punctuation, that's not an issue. I have never stated in my posts I have demanded perfection, I just see a small minority in all forums who type like they are randomly mashing the keyboard with open palms. Having said that, their may be legitimate reasons for their errors and I certainly don't make assumptions.