IS THE LETTER “C” REALLY NECESSARY?

Children born in English speaking countries and just starting school are taught their ABC’s. But early in their learning, English-speaking children discover C cannot be trusted. Adults studying English are also frustrated by this letter. Why?

The letter C has no unique sound. Sometimes it hisses like an S which we call the soft C. Other times it sounds a little like snapping your fingers—this is the hard C. If that were not enough to trick you up, along comes the combination of CH which neither clicks nor sizzles.

What are the hurdles we must face if we cancel the letter C? The United States does use an alphabet-based grading system, but this can easily be replaced by a numeric system. Grade point averages are already calculated this way.

Yes, I know the enormity of what I am suggesting. The spelling of numerous items will suddenly be labeled “archaic.” But we are talking about a better future. Is that not worth some inconvenience? George Bernard Shaw’s estate might be approached to fund the cause, since his dream of a new English alphabet has yet to be realized.

I can envision the crusade championed across the internet, reported in news media, its slogan on tee shirts and caps, on campaign pins and banners. Will there be marches in the streets? Perhaps. Would not that be exciting?

Let’s start small. What about changing words where the letter C is simply redundant? Could we not just drop it? Pack, peck, pick, pock and puck could be written as pik, pek, pik, pok and puk with no change in sound.

Will these strategies succeed? Who knows? But it might be worth the effort and even fun. Who is up for the challenge? You will have my vote. Good luk to you!

#EnglishLanguage #ESL