The alphabetic principle: an orientation

Abstract

This chapter provides an orientation to the alphabetic principle and a framework for reflecting on the chapters that follow. It traces the provenance of the English alphabet from its origins in the Eastern Mediterranean more than three thousand years ago to explain some of the distinctive features of the English writing system used today and to introduce terms used to talk about the English sound and writing systems. It draws attention to the location of the alphabetic principle in the strands of the Australian Curriculum: English and in the Literary General Capability, and explores its place in well-known models of reading. The chapter concludes with a brief review of early reading instruction from the perspective of the alphabetic principle.