EastleighSoulBoy Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 My 7 year son has recently started year two at his school. While testing his spelling yesterday we came upon him using ZEE as opposed to ZED when spelling squeeze. Now there are two separate classes in his year. My wife inquired of the other Mums and found that the two classes are being taught this differently. So before I make a fool of myself and approach my son's teacher, is there a standard which is applicable? Or are we open to an individual teacher's take on the ENGLISH alphabet? I believe that English is a lovely language when spoken and pronounced correctly. I'm already aware that some silly boffins are actually advocating the use of Text Spell in the classroom! So, before I take up the cudgel on behalf of the people who wish to speak and spell English correctly, am I out of kelter on this? I don't wish to see our children 'payntin there faciz all different colors 2 celebr8 labor day'!
Block 18 Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 I know that ours is a living, changing language, but I'm sick and tired of Americanisms ruining of natural tongue. Go in there with a cricket bat (not a baseball bat)and beat this teacher senseless
Deppo Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 Schools have proms now,and Bellemoor has become Upper Shirley High...why do we take the septics as an example?
EastleighSoulBoy Posted 22 September, 2008 Author Posted 22 September, 2008 I know that ours is a living, changing language, but I'm sick and tired of Americanisms ruining of natural tongue. Go in there with a cricket bat (not a baseball bat)and beat this teacher senseless I think that I can count on the English language to get my point across. However, do we as parents have any say? I already sense that this may well have to be escalated outside of the jurisdiction of an overtly PC headmistress! I don't want to do anything though that might alienate my son, such as asking him to against the class line in using ZEE. It's my battle, not his!
Denzil Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 I know that ours is a living, changing language, but I'm sick and tired of Americanisms ruining of natural tongue. Go in there with a cricket bat (not a baseball bat)and beat this teacher senseless Exactly. Anyone who spells realised with a "z" in this country deserves a f*cking good hiding.
mynameisthehulk Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 Schools have proms now,and Bellemoor has become Upper Shirley High...why do we take the septics as an example? Even more reason to walk up from Bassett and beat the crap out of them then!
Thorpe-le-Saint Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 It HAS to be 'Zed'. 'Zee' is what the yanks say. P.S, this thing about 'high schools' seems to be a northern thing.
EastleighSoulBoy Posted 22 September, 2008 Author Posted 22 September, 2008 It HAS to be 'Zed'. 'Zee' is what the yanks say. My sentiments precisely! I have no real axe to grind with American people, I just don't wish for us to adopt their attitude to language and, in particular, spelling. It stinks of laziness in my honest opinion.
AwaySaint1 Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 You are going to give the staff room a laugh! Most dads whould not be so involved in a childs education,are you seperated from your wife by any chance?
EastleighSoulBoy Posted 22 September, 2008 Author Posted 22 September, 2008 You are going to give the staff room a laugh! Most dads whould not be so involved in a childs education,are you seperated from your wife by any chance? What would make you think that I am separated from my wife, and what bearing does that have on my interest in my child's education or trying to uphold the English language? Are you a psychiatrist/psychoanalyst? If you are a parent do you not have an interest in your child's education? Let them laugh and expose themselves for the cultural philistines that they would obviously be! 5/10 Must try harder! Meanwhile, in a discussion about the English language might it not be prudent to try and use the English language correctly?
Ponty Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 Cue "Who cares about spelling on an internet forum?" ...or should that be queue? No, I know it isn't, before anyone replies.
TopGun Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 Cue "Who cares about spelling on an internet forum?" ...or should that be queue? No, I know it isn't, before anyone replies. I care about my own spelling because I am a snob who thinks that people who can't spell are tards. I'm sure I'm not alone.
Robsk II Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 Exactly. Anyone who spells realised with a "z" in this country deserves a f*cking good hiding. For once, I agree, broadly, with the sentiment.
EastleighSoulBoy Posted 22 September, 2008 Author Posted 22 September, 2008 Cue "Who cares about spelling on an internet forum?" ...or should that be queue? No, I know it isn't, before anyone replies. Another amusing aspect is people asking a question in a thread, which would not need to have been asked if they had bothered to read the opening post in that thread! However, why let a stated fact get in the way of a silly question?
Weston Super Saint Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 I care about my own spelling because I am a snob who thinks that people who can't spell are tards. I'm sure I'm not alone. It's 'tards by the way Oh and ZED, ZEE is what stupid Americans say.
Badger Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 Zed.End of story. You could approach his teacher with "I say zed,you say zee..lets call the whole thing off.." and move your child to another school.
St Landrew Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 I do have an axe to grind here. As previous posters have noted, Zed is UK English, and Zee is US English. It is the encroachment of another speaking culture. This may not be much of a problem, but where do you stop..? Do you start spelling the description for later this evening as Tonite, or correctly, Tonight, eh..? What happens to the nuances that are possible in UK English, and almost not possible in any other language, once it becomes simplified, or adopts a dominant literary culture..? It's Zed.
Ponty Posted 22 September, 2008 Posted 22 September, 2008 It used to be Zed in the USA but someone changed it to rhyme in that alphabet song and pretty soon everyone was using Zee.
EastleighSoulBoy Posted 22 September, 2008 Author Posted 22 September, 2008 It used to be Zed in the USA but someone changed it to rhyme in that alphabet song and pretty soon everyone was using Zee. :smt012 'Disney English'
AwaySaint1 Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 ESB-(spelling bee) you have not answered my original question: Are you estranged from your son ?
EastleighSoulBoy Posted 23 September, 2008 Author Posted 23 September, 2008 ESB-(spelling bee) you have not answered my original question: Are you estranged from your son ? That was not your original question, I include your original question, along with it's spelling and grammatical errors for you to refer: You are going to give the staff room a laugh! Most dads whould not be so involved in a childs education,are you seperated from your wife by any chance? I then refer you to my first answer, which still holds credence now: What would make you think that I am separated from my wife, and what bearing does that have on my interest in my child's education or trying to uphold the English language? Are you a psychiatrist/psychoanalyst? If you are a parent do you not have an interest in your child's education? Let them laugh and expose themselves for the cultural philistines that they would obviously be! 5/10 Must try harder! Meanwhile, in a discussion about the English language might it not be prudent to try and use the English language correctly? Then finally my comment, aimed at yourself, which obviously you were unable to understand. Another amusing aspect is people asking a question in a thread, which would not need to have been asked if they had bothered to read the opening post in that thread! However, why let a stated fact get in the way of a silly question? I find your particular line of question both offensive and intrusive, now stop it. :smt018 Why do you wish to know if I am estranged from my son? Are you a psychiatrist/psychoanalyst and wishing to establish something wrong in my interest. Or, just a question and not an unfounded allegation, do you have a darker motive toward my son? If so, be very very careful!
Crouchie's Lawyer Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 are you seperated from your wife by any chance? My wife inquired of the other Mums and found that the two classes are being taught this differently. I think this should answer your question AwaySaint, although I'm sure if you had read it, you would have seen this. Although, having re-read it ESB, you only say 'My Wife'. There is no indication if you are separated from said Wife. Im guessing you are not though, but this may have been AS's point?
Guest Dark Sotonic Mills Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 Oh and it's Zebra, not Zeebra...
Jillyanne Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 Zed as in bed. Zee is for the yanks and they can keep it, along with their stupid pronunciation (sp) of aluminium and oregano.
EastleighSoulBoy Posted 23 September, 2008 Author Posted 23 September, 2008 I think this should answer your question AwaySaint, although I'm sure if you had read it, you would have seen this. Although, having re-read it ESB, you only say 'My Wife'. There is no indication if you are separated from said Wife. Im guessing you are not though, but this may have been AS's point? Maybe I might have used the term 'Ex' or 'Ex wife' in that instance? Who knows? Methinks though that AwaySaint is looking for some dirt to dig, which is why I am, as yet, non committal with my answers.
saint boggy Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 ESB-(spelling bee) you have not answered my original question: Are you estranged from your son ? wtf, does this have to do with him taking umbridge to how is child is being taught?? there are plenty of dads ,who live with their kids, that take them to and from school at my son's school and who take an active role in their child's education and welfare. i would personally have a 'relaxed word' with the teacher if i were you and just ask why it is that your son is being taught 'zee' rather than 'zed'.
Scummer Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 their stupid pronunciation (sp) of aluminium and oregano. They don't pronounce aluminium stupidly, they spell it differently. For the way they spell the word, the pronunciation is fine. Whether you like the way they spell it is a different matter.
Poshie72 Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 My son, in year 1 is learning as 'zed' as is my youngest who is in nursery
Crouchie's Lawyer Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 Dare I introduce the old Ayche or Hayche arguement?
EastleighSoulBoy Posted 23 September, 2008 Author Posted 23 September, 2008 [/color][/b] wtf, does this have to do with him taking umbridge to how is child is being taught?? there are plenty of dads ,who live with their kids, that take them to and from school at my son's school and who take an active role in their child's education and welfare. i would personally have a 'relaxed word' with the teacher if i were you and just ask why it is that your son is being taught 'zee' rather than 'zed'. Thanks St Boggy! It would appear that we are thinking along the same lines. I am going to talk to the class teacher after school this afternoon. Like I said previously, I would think that it may be a matter of teacher's choice as to which they use, bearing in mind that the two classes are taught differently.
EastleighSoulBoy Posted 23 September, 2008 Author Posted 23 September, 2008 Dare I introduce the old Ayche or Hayche arguement? This also came up in conversation. Opinion at the school was that Haitch is the choice as it enunciates the letter it represents.
mdearlove Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 I hate American spellings. I write training materials for a living but all my colleagues are American and the editing is done there. I take great pleasure in making sure I use English throughout the classes I write. The editors then have to go and change each and every English word to its American version. I think they hate me - but I don't care!
mdearlove Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 Dare I introduce the old Ayche or Hayche arguement? It was always Ayche when I was a kid. My eldest daughter has been taught Hayche at school, my youngest - Ayche
Guest Dark Sotonic Mills Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 Aitch without pronouncing the 'h' at the start. Herbs with pronouncing the 'h' at the start. Americans and English, two nations separated by a common language.
saint boggy Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 Dare I introduce the old Ayche or Hayche arguement? i cringe when i hear someone say haitch!!! :smt021
Crouchie's Lawyer Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 Aitch without pronouncing the 'h' at the start. i cringe when i hear someone say haitch!!! :smt021 Thank god!
the stain Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 Meanwhile, in a discussion about the English language might it not be prudent to try and use the English language correctly? am I out of kelter on this? 'kilter' Let he who is without sin etc.
the stain Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 They don't pronounce aluminium stupidly, they spell it differently. For the way they spell the word, the pronunciation is fine. Whether you like the way they spell it is a different matter. Also, they invented the word and we took it and changed the spelling.
Bath Saint Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 I would highly recommend this film. (Try shoving the DVD case, sideways down the teacher's throat)
the stain Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 This is a difficult one IMO. Language is a constantly evolving thing and it generally evolves due to usage. Our 'W' used to be a double-vee. There is a lot of pressure from the US for 'English' to change (and let's not forget that they are the majority speakers of the language now), and I think the 19th century push for standardisation/simplification of spelling was misguided and lacked a sense of poetry. But the change in pronunciation of a letter, well it's hardly the end of the world. Aitch, on the other hand, is Aitch. Anyone who says Haitch is a dinlo. Do you say Feff? Sess? Memm? Dinlos.
norwaysaint Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 People saying zee annoys me far less than people saying haitch instead of aitch.
Guest Dark Sotonic Mills Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 Also, they invented the word and we took it and changed the spelling. No they didn't. Sir Humphrey Davy named it Alumium in 1808 and then changed the name to Aluminium in 1812.
norwaysaint Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 This is a difficult one IMO. Language is a constantly evolving thing and it generally evolves due to usage. Our 'W' used to be a double-vee. There is a lot of pressure from the US for 'English' to change (and let's not forget that they are the majority speakers of the language now), and I think the 19th century push for standardisation/simplification of spelling was misguided and lacked a sense of poetry. But the change in pronunciation of a letter, well it's hardly the end of the world. Aitch, on the other hand, is Aitch. Anyone who says Haitch is a dinlo. Do you say Feff? Sess? Memm? Dinlos. People saying zee annoys me far less than people saying haitch instead of aitch. Wow
the stain Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 No they didn't. Sir Humphrey Davy named it Alumium in 1808 and then changed the name to Aluminium in 1812. Then I stand corrected. Although the '-num' spelling does predate the '-nium' version.
Weston Super Saint Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 No they didn't. Sir Humphrey Davy named it Alumium in 1808 and then changed the name to Aluminium in 1812. Then I stand corrected. Although the '-num' spelling does predate the '-nium' version. How?
the stain Posted 23 September, 2008 Posted 23 September, 2008 How? Because there was an intervening stage. Have a look on Wikipedia (as I should've done before shooting from the hip)
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