Orthography is the standardized system of spelling, writing, and punctuation in a given language. It encompasses:
- Spelling rules and conventions
- Use of capital letters
- Hyphenation
- Punctuation marks
- Special characters and diacritical marks
In education, orthography is crucial for:
- Developing literacy skills
- Enhancing written communication
- Standardizing written language across diverse populations
Challenges in orthography include:
- Inconsistencies between spelling and pronunciation (especially in English)
- Variations between different dialects or regional standards
- Evolving language use and the impact of digital communication
Teaching orthography involves:
- Explicit instruction in spelling rules
- Practice in recognizing and correcting errors
- Understanding the historical and linguistic basis of spelling conventions
Mastery of orthography contributes to overall language proficiency and academic success.