𐑤𐑻𐑯 𐑖𐑱𐑝𐑾𐑯
(Learn Shavian)
𐑤𐑻𐑯 𐑖𐑱𐑝𐑾𐑯
Welcome to the fascinating world of the Shavian alphabet! The internet has become a treasure trove for resurrecting ideas that might have faded into obscurity. Here, passions of the past are rekindled, drawing in new generations just as much as they captivated the ones before. One such passion is the Shavian alphabet, a unique take on English spelling brought to life by the vision of the famous Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw.
Shaw was frustrated by the complexities of traditional English spelling, which he found outdated and illogical. His vision was to simplify English into a phonetic alphabet that directly matched the sounds of the language, making it straightforward and easy for everyone to learn and use. Unlike the existing Latin-based character set, Shaw's alphabet aimed to revolutionize written English.
Determined to see his dream realized, Shaw bequeathed nearly 3 million USD to fund the creation of this new language. Despite challenges and contestations from relatives, dedicated supporters managed to preserve funds for the foundation and organize the competition Shaw envisioned. The contest drew an impressive 467 entries globally, though initially, none completely fulfilled Shaw’s criteria. Ultimately, Kingsley Read, a contestant who had previously caught Shaw’s attention with his innovative designs, was tasked with refining his winning entry.
In 1962, the Shavian alphabet debuted in a special edition of Shaw's play "Androcles and the Lion," marking the first time this innovative alphabet was used publicly. While it never became mainstream, Shaw and Read enjoyed the intellectual challenges it presented, rather than seeking widespread adoption.Here on our site, we're excited to pass on this intellectual torch. Dive into lessons on reading and writing in Shavian, explore engaging exercises and games, and access a wealth of resources. Check out our transcriber tool and connect with online groups to practice your new skills with others. Join us in exploring this intriguing chapter of linguistic history—Shaw’s legacy of simplifying English lives on!