The Deseret Alphabet – Western Experiments in Writing Systems
In 1850, Brigham Young (1801-1877) Leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) commissioned 2 typefaces and published 4 books using the Deseret Alphabet, an alternative writing system for the English language. The new system provided a phonetic alphabet that included a single letter for each sound in the english language. The alphabet was seen as a solution to help teach the many immigrants arriving to the area the English Language. For your enjoyment, I’ve included some more information, and a few pictures of this curious alphabet.
I enjoy the ornate decorative style – this book (which I received as father’s day gift – printed in 1867) included a printing of a selected chapter from the Book of Mormon.
The content page of each published book contained a key that would explain the characters and how the correspond to the phonetic alphabet.
Probably the most interesting thing that I find with it, is the spirit of experimentation and innovation. Taking on a complete writing system would never even be considered today, even though it might actually be a good idea. Wouldn’t it be easy to learn to write, if every letter only made one sound?
For me, the Deseret alphabet is a great example of willingness to push the limits and attempt change. To some it is seen as radical, excessive, or even foolish, but to me, I love the idea of believing that everything is up for grabs. If there’s a way to do it, and we can dream up a good solution, there’s nothing that’s preventing us from changing everything.
Ultimately this experiment failed, but as with all failed projects, the relics that remain remind us that not all good ideas will work, and that it is ok and better to have tried and failed, than to not have tried at all.
For more information about the Desert Alphabet, Here’s a couple links:
http://www.deseretalphabet.com/
http://www.omniglot.com/writing/deseret.htm
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