I've been following a couple of internet projects aimed at implementing a phonetic version of English. The goals and benefits are somewhat obvious - non-native speakers would be able to learn the language much faster, and English is a universal language on the web. Efforts to improve English spelling have gone back to the 1600's with little success (see Wiki English Spelling Reform)
Young people are fast adopting non-standard phonetic spellings in their instant-messaging and texting. I believe the internet is ready for implementing a new *standard* English spelling system. My thinking is that google translator is the place to make it happen. Google has a prominent position on the internet, and in fact has engaged in projects that are both benevolent and fun (and this is both). Non-natives (at first) would be able to learn and interact with written English faster. Young people may find it fun and interesting to use a phonetic system. (maybe someday, English speakers wouldn't need to spend 6+ years in spelling classes). This is not really a new language, but rather an ability to translate pages to/from an alternate spelling system. I believe such a system could be implemented *much* easier than a "real" language translator. The possible stumbling blocks might be the few words that have a pronunciation that is context-driven, or a reverse translation of homonyms, but for now, let's say that's a non-issue :) Which phonetic English spelling system? Personally, I'd leave it to the google team to pick one, with input from the internet community. saaspel is one. Also see the Spelling Society which is active, but not endorsing any one particular system. The goals have always been to a) create no new characters and b) preserve the general look and feel of most English words (least disruption). Any thoughts? Does this have enough merit for Google to take it further? I'd like to help... Tim (I had posted the above in translator toolkit area earlier, but I think it should have been here...) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "General" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/google-translate-general?hl=en.
