SPELLING
Sir-yYour correspondent A. H. Reed calls me "unfortunate" in my selection of common spelling errors. On reflection, I think he will find himself in an unfortunate position. He cites certain
alleged. orthographical authorities as sanctioning or condoning these errors on the untenable ground of "modern usage"-in other words, this . means simply that we must accept wrong spelling because the majority of persons is ignorant of correct spelling. Or, to put it another way, we are instructed by these spineless authorities to accept a policy of abject capitulation to the illiterate herd. No amount of argument can prove that "adaption" is a "synonym" for "adaptation." Nor can anyone show that "retraction" means the same thing as "retractation." A simple example illustrates my contention--when a cat retracts its claws, that is retraction; when Mr Reed retracts his statements (as he should), that is retractation. The suggestion that so-ealled "usage" justifies incorrect spelling will not bear one moment’s examination, no matter from what quarter it emanates; otherwise, before many years have passed, we should be expected to accept such abominable words as "thru" (through), "tho" (though), "ceriter" (centre), "theatre" (theatre), "hospitalization," "automation," "yeah" (yes), "nah" (no), and manv more.
L. D.
AUSTIN
(Wellington).
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19571101.2.18.7
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 37, Issue 951, 1 November 1957, Page 11
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201SPELLING New Zealand Listener, Volume 37, Issue 951, 1 November 1957, Page 11
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