LET'S RECAST THE SPELL

Guide

word study

I. Highlight the following words with article, comment on their meaning:

- peak (n)	- oddity (n)
- invocation (n)	- archaic (adj)
- vernacular (adj)	- obsolete (adj)

II. In the article find the antonyms to:

a) shorten —	d) a bunch of sth. —
b) youngsters —	e) come to mind —
c) attract —

III. Write the correct combination of the verb and the particle. Insert them where necessary.

a. The British are subject....... a myth that English English never changes.

b. Grammar was also affected....... the adoption of Latin rules.

c. Latin rules were superimposed........ the Germanic framework of English.

d. To do everything possible to bring......... such changes.

IV. Pick out from the text attributes that modify the following nouns.

	changes		rules

Comprehension

V. Explain the following:

— to envoke respect (help)	— to be loath to admit
— to advocate (n, v)	— to formalise the spelling

VI. Scan through the articles in search of the answers to the given questions:

1. What are the cases of inappropriate spelling called by the author? When were they observed? Is there any visible explanation to that?

2. Where did the myth of English as a language that "never changes and never should change" come from?

3. In the author's opinion, what does a language have to be like in order to invoke respect? Do you agree?

4. What languages contributed to the the excessive complexity of Modern English spelling and grammar?

5. What is the way of solving the problem suggested by P.Hughs? Does that sound logical to you?

6. Does she give any other recommendations on putting forward her idea? What are they?

7. What did the respose to her suggestion turn out to be? Whose vision of the problem would you rather support? Why?

foolow up

VII. Discussion (Role-Play)

Act out a press-conference (a seminar, a science congress, etc.) debating a very questionable issue. A heated argument breaks out with all the participants passionately (but in a well-turned manner) defending their points of view.

The simplification of the English spelling as suggested by Patricia Hughs: pros and cons".

Choose the roles that you like best and distribute them. Think of some others if you feel like.