An Introduction to the English Writing System (Edinburgh Textbooks on the English Language) - Softcover

Marco Condorelli

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1399517171 ISBN 13: 9781399517171

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press, 2026

Synopsis

A first-time focus on the theory of English orthography

• Provides an entry-level introduction, preparing you for more advanced textbooks and reference titles in English orthography
• Illustrates links between orthography and phonology, morphology, syntax and lexicography, as well as the semantics and pragmatics of English
• Includes exercises, worked examples, recommendations for further reading and a glossary to clearly illustrate key ideas and concepts
• Offers a comprehensive theoretical coverage of various linguistic approaches to understanding ‘writing’ in English Engages with interdisciplinary approaches 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.

About this title

About the Author

Marco Condorelli completed his Ph.D. in English Language at the University of Central Lancashire. Marco is author of Standardising English Spelling: The Role of Printing in Sixteenth and Seventeenth-century Graphemic Developments (2022) and editor of Advances in Historical Orthography, c. 1500–1800 (2020).

Edition details

• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1399517171
• ISBN 13: 9781399517171
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176