So far, we have gone over the theoretical difficulties is learning to spell. That is – the problems with the languages themselves. Now lets take a look at the practical difficulties – the problems with me.
Not Interested
The main reason I don’t learn spelling is because I don’t want to. I don’t have the time or the inclination to learn spellings. In the time of text messages, instant messaging and LOLCATS, does it matter? When was the last time you saw a text message without any spelling errors? Exactly! Plus, I’m very lazy.
US Vs UK
Another problem I face is which spellings should I learn – the US spellings or the UK spellings. I’m from India and officially we follow the UK version of spellings. But I write for the web – and the rule of thumb for web writing is to use US English. My final decision is to use Binny English. Its a special version of English spellings in which all spellings I use are correct.
Dyslexic
That’s it! Who’s the wise guy who gave it that name? Really? That’s the name you choose for an affliction that makes people unable to spell correctly? Did a dyslexic kid beat you up when you where a kid or something? ADD – now that’s a mental affliction that I can spell. OCD – that’s simple as well. We Dyslexics need a simpler name.
Now that I got that rant out of my system, lets get back to the topic at hand – my spellings. I’m a dyslexic – and that makes my spellings extra interesting. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not complaining about being a dyslexic. As a matter of fact, I consider it to be one among my many super powers. But that’s a story for another post.
Spell Checkers
As long as I have spell checkers, I don’t have to worry about learning spellings. I could be the worst speller in the world – and no one would know. Actually, scratch that – I am the worst speller in the world. And if it weren’t for these Useless Skills series, you wouldn’t have known it. Thank you spell checker!
All that said, isnt it weird how accustomed we are to proper spelling.. A spelling error stands out like anything and sometimes is real pissing off!
I am a creative speller, artistic speller I have even been called a bad speller.
I find the abnormalities of the English language fascinating, as I sit here with my spell checker, trying to teach my kids how English works.
Well, everything is hopeless with everyone out here without MS spell checker.
As a matter of fact, the more young generation start using computers, the less importance would be given to learn spellings.
Making spelling mistakes is an unfortunate by product of having the luxury of spell check. I’ve learnt that over the last few years I’ve made many mistakes in words that I wouldn’t have done 5 years ago. I blame it on the automatic spell check option!