National Chengchi University
Question
Asked 17 April 2016
Do the Deseret alphabet of the English language and alphabetical systems of the American indigenous languages have any future?
I think linguists (including missionaries), who create alphabets, are great enthusiasts. Competition of languages or alphabets of different origin exists in varying degrees in all multi-ethnic societies.
What do you think on it?
Most recent answer
Dear Tom,
often creating alphabets is very closely connected with formation and development of religious communities. Stephen of Perm, an Orthodox monk, composed an alphabet for Zyriane, Lama Zaya Pandita – a new alphabet todo bichig for the Kalmyk people, Zanabazar – for Mongolians. We can continue this list. The Deseret alphabet is very interesting from many points of view, esp. as (more or less) successful result of local language policy of one of the religiuos groups.
I hope, you will always find a necessary help for your research of family history,
Olga
3 Recommendations
Popular answers (1)
Business School São Paulo (FGV)
Dear Olga, It is a very interesting question.
I was not familiar with the Deseret alphabet neither the story of the how the Mormons used it to teach English to their immigrant brethren in faith.
On the other hand I am quite familiar with the Mormons and their cult, given that for years I visited their local temple searching my family's background.
My contact and experience with the Mormons was very positive.
Be well
Tom
3 Recommendations
All Answers (4)
Business School São Paulo (FGV)
Dear Olga,
I found some references on the Internet.
Not being a linguist I do not know if they will be of help, I hope so :-)
Friendly regards
Tom
Wintersteen, Larry Ray. "A History of the Deseret Alphabet." (1970).
Neff, Andrew Love. History of Utah. Ed. Leland Hargrave Creer. Deseret news Press, 1940.
This is the full book's link:
Moore, Richard G. "The Deseret Alphabet Experiment." Religious Educator 7.3 (2006): 62-76.
2 Recommendations
National Chengchi University
Dear Tom,
thank you very much, it is a real contribution!
With kind regards,
Olga
1 Recommendation
Business School São Paulo (FGV)
Dear Olga, It is a very interesting question.
I was not familiar with the Deseret alphabet neither the story of the how the Mormons used it to teach English to their immigrant brethren in faith.
On the other hand I am quite familiar with the Mormons and their cult, given that for years I visited their local temple searching my family's background.
My contact and experience with the Mormons was very positive.
Be well
Tom
3 Recommendations
National Chengchi University
Dear Tom,
often creating alphabets is very closely connected with formation and development of religious communities. Stephen of Perm, an Orthodox monk, composed an alphabet for Zyriane, Lama Zaya Pandita – a new alphabet todo bichig for the Kalmyk people, Zanabazar – for Mongolians. We can continue this list. The Deseret alphabet is very interesting from many points of view, esp. as (more or less) successful result of local language policy of one of the religiuos groups.
I hope, you will always find a necessary help for your research of family history,
Olga
3 Recommendations
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