An Introduction to the English Writing System

This textbook introduces orthographic theory (sometimes referred to as grapholinguistics). If you are taking courses in English language and linguistics, and particularly those studying the English writing system, this book will provide you with an accessible and engaging entry point into this fascinating topic. Each chapter discusses the English writing system with reference to key linguistic areas like phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicography, semantics and pragmatics.

You will be introduced to basic working definitions of writing systems theory, including orthography, spelling, punctuation, capitalisation and the differences between spelling and orthography and between writing system and script. The book also discusses digital communication, emojis, register-specificity in writing and the social aspects of spelling, and embraces design elements such as alignment, page layout and abbreviations, as well as aspects of visualisation such as calligraphy – all of which have not always been regarded as constitutive components of English writing in the past.