In this paper, we argue that second language (L2) reading research, which has been informed by studies involving first language (L1) alphabetic English reading, may be less relevant to L2 readers with non-alphabetic reading backgrounds, such as Chinese readers with an L1 logographic (Chinese character) learning history. We provide both…

Presents a postscript to the current authors' comment on the original article, "Short-term memory for serial order: A recurrent neural network model," by M. M. Botvinick and D. C. Plaut. In their commentary, the current authors demonstrated that Botvinick and Plaut's (2006) model of immediate serial recall catastrophically fails when familiar…

Considers opinions about how the alphabet might have been invented. Concludes that it probably occurred in a single "giant leap" taken by one man. Reviews the inventor's necessary background, creation of letter shapes, the writing medium, and direction of script. Postulates possibilities for initial acceptance and diffusion. Encapsulates the whole…

Argues that a fast and effective writing system need not stay close to the phonemic detail of speech, and offers shorthand systems as examples of this. Some proposals for spelling reform are briefly evaluated in the light of this evidence. (HOD)

Citing the confusion generated for both librarians and users that results from the Romanization of bibliographic entries written in non-Roman scripts, it is argued that a standardized solution generally applicable to the arrangement of non-Roman script entries in bibliographic control tools should be found and adopted. Such entries should not be…

A practical orthography is presented for Kuuk Thaayorre, which is spoken by over 300 Aborigines in Australia. The phonemes in Thaayorre and the way they are symbolized in normal writing practice are presented. Frequent occurrence of six conventional digraphs for some Thaayorre consonants has given rise to complementary orthography as an initial…

Outlines three criteria that alphabet books should follow to effectively aid childrens' learning. Shows that Caldecott-winner "Alphabatics" (Suse MacDonald) violates these standards. (ARH)

Translation of proper place and personal names is very difficult, especially when they occur within texts. It is often necessary to consider native pronunciation and the rules of transcription and transliteration in both languages. Examples from the literature illustrate the need for more attention to this problem. (MSE)

Responds to an earlier essay that made claims about the origins of written language as the basis for advocating a particular method of teaching reading, clarifying: the origins of the alphabet, the "flimsy" nature of the alphabetic principle, and the implications of both for teaching reading. After examining the origins of written…

Responds to a critique of an earlier article on alphabetic writing that made claims about the origins of written language as the basis for advocating a particular method of teaching reading, suggesting that the critique actually supports the original article's position, and nothing in the critique justifies its conclusion that children need…

Explains and anthropomorphizes each letter in the alphabet. Details the reasons why writers write. Notes that all writers live and struggle with this question. (PM)

Hypothesizes that writing systems affect cognitive strategies at a deeper level of human information-processing than is generally accepted in present day psychology. Discusses why almost all varieties of alphabets, syllabaries, and consonantal systems have been written to the left while vocalic systems have been written to the right. (JD)

Presents case that English is not as unsystematic as it appears nor is it a severe obstacle to learning for both native and nonnative speakers by describing the ideographic, syllabic, and alphabetic writing systems. Suggests teachers need a greater awareness of the nature of the English writing system and how to teach it. (BK)

Media education specialist John Culkin talks with editor John Drexel about learning to read in the television age--and discusses a new alphabet, UNIFON, that may help solve the literacy crisis. (Editor)

This article deals with problem created by numerous schemes in use for transliteration of Cyrillic alphabet when attempting to obtain retrieval of Russian author's works in scientific databases available through Dialog, Bibliographic Retrieval Services, and System Development Corporation. Highlights include basic strategy and complications of…