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Irish English orthography

Irish English orthography

8.4
A way of spelling English used in Ireland that is similar to British spelling but with some Irish differences
  • noun
  • Irish
translation icon : ortografía del inglés irlandés
  • The word 'centre' as spelled in Irish English orthography differs from the American 'center'.

Examples

  • When writing in Irish English orthography, you might see spellings like 'colour' instead of 'color'.

  • Writers who use Irish English orthography may prefer 'analyse' instead of 'analyze'.

  • Many schools in Ireland teach Irish English orthography rather than American spelling rules.

  • The Irish English orthography has unique spellings.

  • Many schools teach Irish English orthography to students.

  • In Ireland, students learn to write using Irish English orthography, which often reflects British spelling conventions.

  • Using Irish English orthography, the word 'travelling' contains two 'l's, distinguishing it from American usage.

Synonyms

Irish English spelling
vsIrish English orthography
  • Irish
6.7

A way people write English words in Ireland using British forms like colour

is a broader system including regional spelling differences beyond examples
Irish spelling
vsIrish English orthography
  • Irish
6.4

A style of English spelling used in Ireland, like favour and centre

is the national convention that also notes some regional variants

Surface Forms

Morphology

Irish + English + orthography

The meaning is directly compositional: 'orthography' is a spelling system, 'English' specifies the language whose orthography is meant, and 'Irish' specifies the regional variety. A B1 learner who knows the three words can readily infer this refers to the spelling conventions used in Irish varieties of English, so the phrase is transparent.

Etymology

Irish English orthography names the Irish way of writing English words. It comes from Irish schools and printers keeping British spellings like centre and analyse instead of the American 'center' and 'analyze'. That's why it means the 'system of spelling' used in Ireland.