Relativ Frequency of English Speech Sounds

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This investigation, based on a sufficient number and variety of modern texts, conducted on sound principles and with scrupulous care, aside from its obvious utility for shorthand and for instruction in reading, is of value to phoneticians in that it affords abundant choice material for the study of the adjustment of sound to sound in the syllable. To the linguist it furnishes also a starting point for comparison of one language with another, in respect either to acoustic effect or to the characteristic operations of the vocal organs; and it provides, in its word list, a foundation for comparative estimates of current vocabulary as an index of national civilization. To one interested in the history of speech, or the history of thought, it suggests and facilitates a series of comparisons of present and past aspects of English, whether one consider the language as an aggregate of sound-patterns or as a medium of expression. Multiple are the uses to which these tables may be put. It is to be hoped that many scholars, in many fields, will avail themselves of them.

[Note accompanying the Original Edition © 1923, Graduate School of Education, Harvard University:]

The text of this investigation is speld in accord with the recommendations of the Simplified Spelling Board. In the material investigated the conventional spelling, as found, has been adhered to strictly thruout.

The fonetist and filologist has always been among the first to recognize the immense importance of the movement for reform of English spelling, which commands the united support of the leading language scolars both of England and America. He should be willing to bear his share of the prejudice which some must endure in the course of progress toward a rational orthografy.

Simpler Spelling Association, Lake Placid Club, N.Y., wil send ful information concerning this important movement on request.