"The English Writing System describes how writing is not simply ancillary to other aspects of language but vitally important to almost everything we do, from signing our wills to sending a text message. This book discusses the mechanics of the writing systems of English; the different ways people process words on a page and the mistakes they can make; how children and second language learners acquire these systems; the historical development of the language and the progress of writing technology; in short, the effectiveness of the writing systems of English." "Combining an academic perspective from linguistics and psychology with insights into everyday spelling mistakes. The English Writing System will interest students and teachers of linguistics, literature, English language, psychology and education."--BOOK JACKET.