True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-02-22
For the True American.
Written Language-NO. 2.

The last step in the progress of writing
was the introduction of alphabetical char
acters. As difference of opinion exists
among men as to the origin of these char
acters, and as it would take up too much
space to present even an epitome of the
arguments on both sides Of the question,
and as the decision Of the question does not
affect the issue desire to make by this
reference TO the subject, will waive the
whole matter.
The first account (say those who have
Investigated the matter of any arrange
ment of symbols or letters, is that which
made its appearance about sixteen hundred
years before Christ. The universal tradi-
ton of the ancients is, that they were
introduced into Greece by Cadmus. This
alphabet, it is said, was imperfect, consist
ing of but sixteen letters. Cadmus, dis
covering eight sounds unrepresented, in
vented eight appropriate letters. Each
letter of this alphabet, then, uniformly
represented the same element of speech.
Hence, on seeing written word there was
no difficulty in pronouncing it, and on
hearing a word pronounced, the letters re-
quired to represent those sounds were
known certainly in every case: Thus we
find this alphabet perfect one; having a
symbol for ecery sound, and each symbol
to represent one sound and none other.
This alphabet, slightly modified, was
subsequently borrowed by the Latins, the
Germans, the Gauls, and in course of time
by all the European nations.
The effect of this arrangement was, that
the same letter was now required to repre-
sent great many different sounds; be-
cause, as the languages contained sounds
or elements entirely different, and as the
letter which by one nation was made to
represent certain element, was by anoth.
er nation required to represent an entirely
different one, the number of sounds al
length represented by each letter-and es
pecially the vowels-became almost as great
as the number Of languages by which the
alphabet was used. But here was still
another difficulty, as they were required tt
learn the language Of their neighbors, anc
as this must be done chiefly by means o
their writings, the mistakes of the studcn
in guessing at their values gradually be
} came incorporated and recognized as tn
proper element.
We now find this self-same alphabet
with few additions and subtractions, styl
} ed the English Alphabet
Addendum-The above was prepared
for the last issue; but, hearing that SOM
exceptions had been taken to No. |, AM
not knowing the nature Of those exceptions
: | withheld it.
= In reference to the criticisms Of "P. p
| have but little to say. The sentences h
quotes, and the meaning of which he strain
to prevaricate, see no reason for takln
a them back, or defending them-for the
r defend themselves. I retract them moi
Q The thoughts, as well as the pords by whic
e they are expressed, I am prepared to de
S fend if necessary. "P. P.'s' bubbles be
) ing on the language used, a controvers
S with him would be on ,cords and not pri,
ciples-a controversy of all controversial
: the least interesting to the general reade
G And, in declining any further notice Of h
= article than this, for the above reason,
e think have with the majority of thereade
II of the True American. If thought sue
r a controversy would be of interest
a general readers, l am ready and willing fl
e it; but deeming as | do, / beg leave
u be permitted to pursue my own cours
p and present the subject | have in conten
q plation, and which 1 chose to introduce
Il this manner ! shall not suffer myself
le be led off the track by a controversy {
vi arOrds.