We're sunsetting PodQuest on 2025-07-28. Thank you for your support!

Why simplified spelling nearly took over America (and why it didn't), with Gabe Henry

2025/5/22

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

AI Deep Dive AI Chapters Transcript

People

Gabe Henry

Topics

Gabe Henry: 简化拼写运动的核心在于使书面语与口语一致。现行英语充斥着无声字母、拼写规则的矛盾以及源于多种语言的奇怪遗留，这无疑增加了学习者的负担。我一直认为，简化拼写旨在消除这些障碍，使语言更连贯、更经济、更易于学习。从社会改革的角度来看，简化拼写有助于提高识字率，促进知识的传播，并鼓励非母语者更广泛地参与社会。此外，简化拼写还具有经济效益，能够节省写作和学习的时间，并降低纸张和墨水的使用量，从而为企业和印刷商带来实际的利润。

Deep Dive

Chapters

The core argument for simplified spelling is to align spelling with pronunciation, addressing inconsistencies and difficulties for learners. This movement had both social reform and economic motivations, aiming to increase literacy and reduce printing costs.

Simplified spelling aimed to match spelling with pronunciation.
Motivations included increased literacy and reduced printing costs.
Noah Webster's simplified spelling calculations showed potential cost savings for printers.

Shownotes Transcript

This week, Gabe Henry talks about his new book, "Enough Is Enuf," and the long, strange quest to simplify English spelling. Learn why the "Chicago Tribune" made simplified spelling its house style for decades and why Roosevelt's attempt to make it law backfired.

Find Gabe Henry at http://GabeHenry.com).

🔗 Use the code MACMIL for $50 off my Ragan AP style webinar).

🔗 **Share your familect recording in a **WhatsApp chat.)

🔗 Watch my LinkedIn Learning writing courses).

🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter).

🔗 **Take our advertising survey). **

🔗** Get the edited transcript.**

🔗 **Get Grammar Girl books). **

🔗 Join Grammarpalooza)**. **Get ad-free and bonus episodes at Apple Podcasts) or Subtext). Learn more about the difference).

| HOST: Mignon Fogarty

| VOICEMAIL: 833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475).

| Grammar Girl is part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network).