The Grammar of English Spelling: 5 Words, 5 Lessons, 0 Phonics
Mar 06, 2024 12:10 PM
UW Prof. Anja Wanner
The Grammar of English Spelling: 5 Words, 5 Lessons, 0 Phonics

ANJA WANNER is the Enid H. Anderson Professor of English at UW-Madison. A syntactician by training, she teaches classes on the structure and history of English and grammar in use. She has published five books on topics like the use of the passive voice in scientific writing and the relationship between syntax and genre. Her favorite word is ‘serendipity.’  In her Rotary presentation, she will illustrate that we cannot understand English spelling if we believe that it is mainly about matching sounds to letters. She will discuss how grammar, history, politics, language contact and human error are contributing to the joys and vexations tied to the English spelling system.