ECEP Database :: Works

A pronouncing and spelling dictionary: wherein, by a new and sufficient method, the proper sounds of English words are exactly ascertained; And by which, Both His Majesty's Subjects, and Foreigners, may correct an Improper, or acquire a Right Pronunciation of the English Language. Together With An Introduction, and an Appendix, containing many new and useful Observations on the Sounds of the Letters; an Account of the Notation, whereby their Sounds in Words are, through the Dictionary, signified; and Directions for attaining to a right Pronunciation by the Help of this Book. To which is added, by Way of Praxis. A Discourse on an Important Subject: Wherein The Right Sounds of the Words are so intimated by the Notation, that a Stranger to the English Accent, after carefully perusing the Introduction, may be able to pronounce them properly. By William Johnston, M. A. London: printed for W. Johnston, in Ludgate-Street, M.DCC.LXIV.

Physical description from ECCO.

 

Unclear entries checked against the original held at Newcastle University Library (CW).

 

On Audience: Public speakers, foreigners, Scots, Irish, colonials, Cumberland, Cornwall.

 

(Beal 1999: 72) "This dictionary could be seen as 'phonetic' in so far as it provides a very clear indication of how each word is to be pronounced; however, Johnston does not introduce a new phonetic alphabet, but achieves his end by the use of 'observations', i.e. remarks on the 'rules' of English spelling such as they are, and 'signs', which consist of italic and black letter forms."

 

(Beal 1999: 72) "Johnston even aligns himself with Buchanan, stating in his preface that, just before publishing, he acquired a copy of Buchanan's work, which he considered 'a laudable effort of the same nature with this of mine' (1764: vii)."

 

(Beal 1999: 73) "Johnston's system is ingenious and very well executed, building as it does on the traditional orthograpy of English and making good its defects."

 

(Beal 1999: 75) "Perry's scheme, like Johnston's and Kenrick's, would be termed diacritic according to both Emsley's and Abercrombie's definitions".