Beneath the Surface of Words

by Sue Scibetta Hegland

English spelling has an undeserved reputation as unreliable and riddled with frustrating quirks. In the pages of this book, you’ll find stories, examples, and explanations that will reorient your perspective and reveal the integrated system that makes sense of the spelling of English words.

This book will answer questions like these:

– Why is there a W in answer and an L in talk?

– What’s going on with words like move and comfortable?

– Why isn’t hasten spelled like basin or mason?

These spellings make sense once we are aware of all that’s conveyed by a written word—information about so much more than just its pronunciation. This book will introduce the structural (morphological) framework that is present in every English word, reveal the signals of relationships that are embedded in our most interesting spellings, and provide enlightening evidence to support a reevaluation of some traditional spelling rules.

The compelling explanations of English spelling contained in this book allow all of us to understand and reconstruct many spellings, rather than memorizing them, while expanding vocabulary and deepening reading comprehension. This is particularly important for those with dyslexia.

Set aside what you know about spelling for the moment, and take a journey below the surface of words. Together, we’ll uncover the surprising coherence, depth, and clarity of the English writing system.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Teaching, Professional Development

222 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2021

Reviews

[NovelNancyM · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reading teacher who works with dyslexic students, this is an amazing resource. Sue clearly explains how understanding the writing system is critical to reading. This is for any teacher, administrator or parent who wants to help students not only improve spelling but also reading comprehension.

[Anna Ottersbach-McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re interested in the English language and the spelling of it, this is the book for you! Engagingly written and lots of great info.

[Justus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this intellectually interesting but was pretty disappointed that she takes a complete punt on what any of this means for actually teaching kids.

Chapter 5 is "Morphology can't wait" ... but ... can't it? Does it really need to be taught to 4-year olds you are just starting to learn CVC words like cat, hat, mat? I've never seen a program try to introduce "real" morphology before Year 2. And things like etymology and word roots are even later. And the final chapter tells us:

Obvious questions follow: What instructional practices should flow from this expanded understanding of our spelling system? How might teachers implement this in a classroom, particularly as part of systematic, explicit instruction? [...] I am leaving to others the details of translating this conceptual information into solid teaching approaches.

So this, admittedly not very lengthy book, is best seen as a "hey! English spelling isn't quite as crazy as you've been led to believe" teaser more than anything else.

There are a number of things in here that I definitely agree kids should be taught. Being told English spelling isn't as completely random as it first appears and working through some examples to make that concrete. That English tries to maintain structure even as pronuciation changes (we use "-ed" for past tense even though "tested", "signed", and "grasped" are pronounced in three different ways). I liked the explanation of e as a "marker" rather than "magic".

But as a stepping stone to actually teaching effective spelling I am much more dubious. It feels like a fairly large time investment for each investigation -- especially in a classroom setting. This is one of the things where an actual program of instruction would help clarify its real-world practicality for students.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in a book study with this book, and while it could be information overload at some times, it was also incredibly eye opening regarding spelling. It centrals this idea that spelling has to do more with meaning rather than “sounding it out.” It explains that while a complex language, every word in the English language is spelled a certain way for a specific reason. Whether it be due to etymology, or because it’s easier to pronounce, or even to distinguish the word from its homophone, there is a reason behind it all. It was really fascinating and I know it will help me in the classroom.

[Janine Henley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who have a solid understanding on both phonemic awareness and phonics, this is a great book to expand your understanding of how morphology. Definitely heavy and lots of information that made me say, “woah- I never knew that!” However, I wish there were more practical suggestions or even a scope and sequence for morphology concepts and how they relate to phonics concepts. Overall a great read that will leave you pondering many concepts.

[Rachel Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has profoundly affected the way I view English spelling. What a beautiful system after all! I can not recommend it highly enough to anyone involved in teaching English reading and writing, particularly if they already have a solid grasp of structured literacy.

[Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who loves reading about how there are hidden depths to our English spelling of most words. Think word matrixes and specific jobs of morphemes for understanding how words from our ancestors drifted into our current usage.

[Anna rzk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally !English is morphophonemic Language and is indeed logical ! Structured Word enquiry should be mandatory .

[Jean Schram · Rating 5 out of 5]

I facilitate a graduate-credit book discussion of this book each spring.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential for reading teachers.

[Mark Gaskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read filled with helpful information I can use in my classroom!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoa, this one was a deeper dive into etymology than I was expecting. Interesting though.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself just muttering words under my breath and diving down rabbit holes on etymonline. It was so much fun.

[Lindsey Bingley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very technical, an excellent explanation of morphology.

[Liam Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read to better understand the spelling of the English language and it's implications.

[Erin Tellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating look at morphology and etymology!

[Holly Manges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for anyone getting into structured word inquiry and interested in learning more about morphology/etymology.

[Sara Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must for teachers, parents and any life-long learner. I’d give it 10 stars, if that were an option.

[Emily Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best book I've read for learning more about morphology. I have used so many of these practices in my classroom.

[Catherine Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does a great job covering the basics of orthography and morphology. It's a great introduction and reference for someone new to these concepts and a great review for someone more familiar. I appreciated how the author built of previous examples to introduce and layer on additional concepts.