ABSTRACT
Yet two centuries later, these barriers remain and reforming spelling is seen as pie-in-thesky. Reform now seems impossible because of the particular direction set by the nineteenth century reformers, certain features of the English language and of present-day English spelling, unchallenged assumptions, and a general attitude of clinging on to the familiar when so much else is changing. Vested interests do not realize the potential of change. Teachers’ ignorance of the nature of spelling means they cling to rote learning by phonics or ‘Whole Language’ methods. In the USA, spelling bees like the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee are being revived, though they actually demonstrate how few can spell well!
