Are we in favour of freedom to spell as we wish (Free Spelling)?
We wish to encourage a move to more regular spelling conventions rather than allow a free for all, which would probably lead to no overall improvement of literacy and might even impede written communication throughout the ESW. So the short answer is that we do not favour totally free spelling. At the same time it is important to remember that English spelling is continuously evolving. We hope that educational and other authorities will not penalise English speakers who wish to simplify irregular and unnecessarily complicated spellings. Bottom up reform of English spelling should not be resisted, provided it makes for greater regularity and improved literacy.
