article

The Deseret alphabet

Utah humanities review • 1 • Published In 1947 • Pages: 223-239

By: Ivins, Stanley S. (Stanley Snow).

Abstract

This is a history of the attempt by the Mormons shortly after their arrival in Utah to revise what was considered an overly complicated English alphabet. By devising a system in which each letter had only a single sound, it could be greatly improved and would be easier for children to learn to read. The plan was also tied to religious beliefs about the need to develop a "pure" language for the entire world in order to be ready for the Second Coming. The plan was ultimately a failure and, aside from the printing of a few books in the new orthography, it was ignored by most people. Unfortunately, a sample of the new alphabet is not provided.

HRAF PubDate

2018

Region

North America

Sub Region

Southwest and Basin

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Unknown

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

Martin Malone ; 1978

Field Date

not applicable

Coverage Date

1853-1870

Coverage Place

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Notes

S. S. Ivins

Includes bibliographical references

LCCN

93645040

LCSH

Mormons