Spelling regulates writing through norms and establishes rules for the use of all those symbols and signs that make up a language. In this way, it contributes decisively to maintaining coherence between the use of the language, when it is spoken and when it is represented graphically. A structure must be maintained and dispersions between the speech and writing of a language must be avoided, in order to maintain effective communication between the members of a linguistic community.
What is spelling
Table of Contents
This guides how to write correctly through a set of rules that regulate writing, since it is part of normative grammar, which by the way is the most complex of all languages worldwide. They establish the correct use of: capital letters, punctuation marks, accentuation, abbreviation and separation of words, use of sentences within paragraphs, correct use of certain letters, among others, thus achieving grammatical texts that express sequential and logical ideas.
Origin of spelling
During the reign of Alfonso X (1252-1284), Castilian ascended to Castilian as the official language of Castile and he himself made the first attempt to give this language a systematic graphic code, by participating as proofreader of his own works, which he also wrote with his group of collaborators (called the School of Translators).
In 1517 Antonio de Nebrija's work entitled Rules of spelling appeared, with which he intends to correct the language, so that it does not undergo a process similar to that of Latin that causes its disappearance.
Nebrija (writer of Castilian Grammar and Latin-Spanish Dictionary) establishes 26 signs to represent the 26 sounds found in Spanish. However, during the 16th and 17th centuries, different works by authors who tried to establish the Castilian spelling were printed, such as Gonzalo de Correas, New and Perfect Spelling by Kastellan, where the author establishes a 25-letter alphabet based on phonetic criteria; remove some spellings like z, qu, y, j; distinguish r from rr and write some popular words, for example: korrupto por corrupto.
Such a practice was criticized by those who considered that barbarian words should be shortened and spelling should be based on reason or etymology and usage, as well as being a reference for pronunciation.
It was in 1713 when the Royal Spanish Academy was born and a criterion based on the principle of authority or normative criteria was added to the language. The Royal Academy of Spain publishes the Dictionary of Authorities, in 1741 the Spelling and in 1771 the Spanish Grammar.
The Royal Spanish Academy began with a very rigid etymological criterion that over time has been softened, carrying out successive reforms, until it ends up being the institution that establishes the spelling regulations of Spain and America.
What are the rules of spelling
The topic of what spelling is, includes what are the spelling rules, which are rules that allow you to regulate the writing of words. The most important are:
Use of G and J
- Words ending in -aje are written with j except ambages. Examples: Knit, woo, party.
- Verbs that end in -jer are written with j. Examples: knitting, woman.
Using the B
Three of the rules are:
Examples: blazon, cable, bible, speak, blouse, etc.
Use of Z
- Words that end in -ces, in the singular, are written with z. Examples: walnut and walnuts, judge and judges, tens and tens, etc.
- Verbs that end in -ize are written with z. Examples: caramelize, alphabetize, scandalize, varnish, baptize, dramatize, etc.
Using the C
- Verbs that end in -cer in -cir or -cido are written with c. Examples: numb, dawn, produce, bless, etc.
- In general, all words that end in -tion are written with c. Examples: song, invitation, dedication, etc.
Using the S
- Those that end in adjectives sivo, except noxivo use the S. Examples: expressive, comprehensive, etc.
- Words ending in -sura are written with s except sweetness; preciousness, mischief, flavor, beauty, etc.
- Nouns with verbs ending in -press and -close are written with -sion repression, conclusion, exclusion; nouns derived from verbs ending in -der, -dir, -ter, and -tir; extension, invasion, admission; and nouns derived from verbs that end in -sar. Examples: regression, precision, etc.
Use of N or M
- Before bop it is always written with m. Examples: change, pumba, employee, etc.
- Before v is written n. Examples: shipping, packaging, welcome etc.
Using the H
- All words that begin with the diphthongs "ia", "ie", "ue" or "ui" are written with the initial "H". Examples: bone, hyena, smell, etc.
- The forms of the verbs have, do are written with "H". Example: there are, did, etc.
- Words that begin with "buzz" plus vowel are written with "H". For example: wet, human, smoke, humble, humor, etc.
- Words derived and composed of others that carry "h" are written with "H". For example: grass.
- Words that start with hecto, helium, hetero, hepta, hexa, heme, hemi are written with "H". Examples: hemorrhage, hemisphere, hexagon, heptagonal, hexahedron, heptasyllabic, helium, heterogeneous.
- Words that start with hyper-hiccup and homo are written with “H”. Examples: hypermarket, racetrack, homophobic, hypertension, hypochondriac, hypothesis, homogeneous.
Spelling functions
- The spelling function allows you to better organize your thoughts and give a positive image when writing on any topic.
- Likewise, according to what is Spelling in the Spanish language (2010), the essential function is "to guarantee and facilitate written communication between users of a language by establishing a common code for its graphic representation."
- In addition, adds the same source, "the spelling is a factor of unity, since it imposes a uniform and common graphic representation over the numerous existing pronunciation variants". This imposition gives a certain stability to the phonic component of language and slows down the speed of its changes at the oral level, preventing it from breaking its essential unity.
Difference between spelling and grammar
The spelling and grammar are two sciences that study the language, however, there are the following differences:
Orthography
- It does not include a complete study of the laws that govern the use of a language, it only establishes certain rules.
- It does not analyze the structure of the sentence or its functions.
- It is mainly phonetic, since it seeks to graphically represent the sounds of words in oral language.
- It does not represent sounds, but phonemes.
Grammar
- Synchronous and current character, it deals with describing all the elements that constitute a certain linguistic system.
- Descriptive character, it presents in an organized way all the units that make up the Language.
- General character, covers the phenomena that are part of the linguistic system.
- Scientific character, the description of the linguistic system is carried out according to scientific methodology.
- Normative character, corresponds to the description of the language mainly to the written language in order to enrich and perfect it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spelling
What is spelling?
It is the set of rules that organizes writing. This is part of the normative grammar, since it establishes the spelling rules for the correct use of: capital letters, punctuation marks, accentuation, abbreviation and separation of words, use of sentences within paragraphs, correct use of certain letters, among others, thus achieving grammatical texts that express sequential and logical ideas.How to correct spelling in Word?
Word has a spelling checker, found in the "Check" tab, you must click on spelling and grammar. Then it will appear on the right side of the screen. Once the last error has been verified, a dialog box will appear confirming to check spelling and grammar, the correction you wanted to make has finally been completed.How to improve your spelling?
Spelling exercises such as:- Reading every day.
- Look up the words you have doubts in the dictionary.
- Learn the basic rules of spelling.
- Be instructed in the use of capital letters.
- Pay attention to other important rules.
- Employ additional tools.
- Practice regularly to check spelling.
What is spelling for?
It is necessary for the recipients to understand the message that the sender wants to convey, as a sign of professionalism and orderly reasoning. Writing well is essential when writing formal texts such as applications, curriculum, complaints, claims, letters, among others. The writing has to be impeccable for others to understand clearly.How to correct spelling mistakes in children?
To correct spelling in children, the best is through games:- Stories.
- Spelling dominoes.
- Spelling memory.
- To reinforce, consult a spelling book, make dictations, copies to fix the writing of the words well and thus correct spelling mistakes and, most importantly, encourage them to the maximum with parent-teacher support. This way they won't have any uncertainties when they take a spelling test at school.
