19th century English-language spelling reform

the second period started in 19th century , appears coincide development of phonetics science. in 1806, noah webster published first dictionary, compendious dictionary of english language. included essay on oddities of modern orthography , proposals reform. many of spellings used, such color , center, become hallmarks of american english. in 1807, webster began compiling expanded dictionary. published in 1828 american dictionary of english language. although drew protest, reformed spellings gradually adopted throughout united states.

in 1837, isaac pitman published system of phonetic shorthand, while in 1848 alexander john ellis published plea phonetic spelling. these proposals new phonetic alphabet. although unsuccessful, drew widespread interest.

by 1870s, philological societies of great britain , america chose consider matter. after international convention amendment of english orthography held in philadelphia in august 1876, societies founded such english spelling reform association , american spelling reform association. year, american philological society adopted list of eleven reformed spellings immediate use. these are→ar, give→giv, have→hav, live→liv, though→tho, through→thru, guard→gard, catalogue→catalog, (in)definite→(in)definit, wished→wisht. 1 major american newspaper began using reformed spellings chicago tribune, editor , owner, joseph medill, sat on council of spelling reform association. in 1883, american philological society , american philological association worked produce 24 spelling reform rules, published year. in 1898, american national education association adopted own list of 12 words used in writings: tho, altho, thoro, thorofare, thru, thruout, catalog, decalog, demagog, pedagog, prolog, program.