New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-03-22
THE CONTEMPORARY REVIEW. March.

"Tbe English Language as Spoken and Writ
ten" by Professor f. w. Newman is suggestive paper,
discussing discrepancies between our present modes
OF writing and speaking, and the inherent difficulties OF
accomplishing vast change as the Introduction OF
new system ortbogrsphy. The history Of the English
language shows singular want Of uniformity IN writing
its sonnds No principles laid down among Anglo
Saxon writers, and Norman clerks importing Norman
words caused a confusion which increased by the
admixture OF terms from Greek and Latin DR. John
sons dictionary, which more than any other has
for the present 6Ied photography followed no
exact or intelligent principles. Dir. Newman pres
ents variety Of curious instances illustrating the
variety OF pronunciation In different parts o.!
England, and IN England and Ireland. The vast
extcut Of English literature and its diffusion In foreign
countries c0mpicate the problem OF reducing the spoken
md written languages into harmonious whole. In
London many important changes have been introduced
snce the commencement OF the present century. WHAT
was then called affected and napiby-pamhy-thc use Of
short instead Of broad IN such words as grant, com
naand. grass tdss now current and fashionable The
entire suppression OF the letter at the end OF syaDe
tonce considered the certain mark OF yrtuous BostO
miami IL now The words lord, hard, door, to7
pore pork are now pronounced by our English consns
in-good society lard hdod, dGe. aun. par, park and
arms and aims alike corrupted into aams MI New
mans paper IL agreeable study in popular Engish
phiology, though diseursive In It's character and
indefinite IN its results Mr. Edward Freemans article
THE TRIBUNE, 10 Offering some observations Oh Mr.
Troude's IAfe and Times OF Thomas Beckett, abonnds
With the kind Of observations which are offered"
by uurelentng cat on the mouse which she
holds within reach OF her psws-n short 1t 10 one Of the
most erciiese pieces OF literary surgery which can be
found In the language since Macaulay5 dissection OF
Croker and Robert Montgomery. Mr. Freeman Z" Oh
serves 10 begin with Mr.. FrOudes appearance Oh
the field Of medieval history will hardly be matter OF
rejoicing those VINO have made medieval history one
OF the studies Of their hives They cannot welcome
him as partner in their sbois, a. felloy-wOrker IN
the historic truth On tho other band be cannot
be treated of the crowd OF biunds who may
lie perish OF their nsgnfeonce. Mr. Fronde
las n name and . following. What he wriies will
DO read by many. aud VIII be believed by come.
His style admired by many. and II undoubtedly hes It's
merits When Mr. Froude keep himself both from
metaphors aud from vulgarty he knows how 10 tell
story Clearly and stractively. = He way Of writing
Is emineniy fitted 10 impose tbo,c who have not the
means Of judging for themselves When Mr. Fronde II
most when be IL most thoroughly ignorant
OF the subject on winch be writes. he still writes with M
mir Of quiet confidence which IL likely 10 taxo In all
whose own studies have not qualified them to answer
Lin. There Is nothing In Mr. Frondo's manner to
srcgest either lack OF knowledge or unfair treatment of
ps}sgssls. Never surely da tsss prophet succeed %