Which institution or regulatory body is legitimate to define a spelling reform of the english language?

Asked Apr 14 '23 at 12:22

Active Apr 14 '23 at 16:23

Viewed 27 times

There are many proposals to reform the English spelling, to make it more similar to its phonetic pronunciation:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_language_reforms_of_English

But in the end, who decides whether and how to reform?

[Edit] The Oxford university? An 'Ivy League' of language universities in the world?

edited Apr 14 '23 at 12:31

asked Apr 14 '23 at 12:22

blue_lama

Which institutions or regulatory bodies do you think exist for the English language? – KillingTime Apr 14 '23 at 12:24
All attempts are doomed, because there is no "correct" way to pronounce English. It is regional. It's been tried before... Nobody decides: dictionaries reflect established usage, as it changes with the times. – Weather Vane Apr 14 '23 at 12:25
There is no official body monitoring the English language. Oxford University Press publishes the Oxford English Dictionary, but that describes historical and current usage, it doesn't make the rules. – Kate Bunting Apr 14 '23 at 12:49
This question discusses regulatory bodies for English. See also this question about adding a word to the dictionary. – Stuart F Apr 14 '23 at 14:07
In the end, I decide: I won't have it. – Jack O'Flaherty Apr 14 '23 at 14:10
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In the end, as pointed out, the English language is just whatever English speakers speak. "Reforming" is not what it needs. Maybe it needs a better spelling system, but that would just lock out dialects. When you find an organization that can "reform" arithmetic, turn'em loose on grammar. – John Lawler Apr 14 '23 at 14:21
Vive la difference. – Edwin Ashworth Apr 14 '23 at 18:34

0 Answers0