Origins and history Quikscript
george bernard shaw, writer, critic , playwright, highly vocal critic of english spelling because lacked coherent system representing phonemes of english accurately. result, years wrote literary works using pitman shorthand. however, found limitations frustrating , realized not suitable replacement latin alphabet, being difficult use produce printed material , impossible type. shorthand is, definition, more specialized alphabet, represents standard written form of language. shaw desired , advocated phonetic reworking of written english, , called new alphabet.
to end, shaw placed in provisions instructing executor organize world-wide competition design improved english alphabet. british designer, ronald kingsley read, had corresponded extensively shaw several years regarding such alphabet, selected along 3 other finalists winners of competition. read chosen design final form of alphabet. shaw alphabet or shavian , known, result.
to provide field testing of new alphabet, read organized lengthy public testing phase of shavian 500 users around world spoke different dialects of english. once had analyzed results of tests, read decided revise shavian incorporate number of changes improve alphabet , make both easier , faster write. called revised alphabet quikscript . in 1966 published quikscript manual set out alphabet s rationale, , briefly discussed different possible methods of alphabet reform. heart of manual provided comprehensive instructions regarding use of alphabet along reading samples.
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