AP: Spelling Bee protesters

[Joel S. Berson]

At 6/4/2010 11:15 AM, Rick Barr wrote:
>  did say something relevant to this discussion, and it is that English
>takes longer to read than other European languages, precisely because of its
>hectic spelling. Of course, it is unthinkable to carry through an overhaul
>of English spelling. But the price paid in readability is something to take
>into account.

What about the allegation that it takes fewer words (and presumably
letters) to write something in English than in other European
languages?  My sampling is admittedly small, being limited to subway
warning signs in English and Spanish.

Joel

------------------------------------------------------------
The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org