ABSTRACT
The English writing system has had to adapt to changing circumstances. Chapter 6 has already shown its flexibility in incorporating the changing vocabulary of English over the centuries. Its adaptation to different countries is the subject of >Part 7.1 of this chapter through the contrasting British and American spelling styles. The English writing system is sufficiently well-established that it can be played with in names of products, visual puns, names of pop groups and many other ways, which is approached in Part 7.2. Written English has also taken hold of the internet, even if its grasp is gradually being loosened, and has been adapted to e-mails, chat-rooms and text messages, the subject of Part 7.3.
