Alexander, schoolmaster Hume 
Of the Orthographie and Congruitie of the Britan Tongue 
A Treates, noe shorter than necessarie, for the Schooles

In ‘Of the Orthographie and Congruitie of the Britan Tongue’ by Alexander Schoolmaster Hume, the reader is taken on a linguistic journey through the orthography and grammar of the British language. Written in a scholarly and structured manner, the book delves into the intricacies of spelling and syntax within the context of the British language during the time it was written. Hume presents detailed analysis and arguments on the importance of standardized spelling and grammar in order to preserve the integrity of the language. As a schoolmaster, Alexander Hume’s background in education and language instruction likely influenced his decision to write a book on orthography and congruity of the British language. His expertise in the subject matter is evident in the meticulous research and logical reasoning presented in the book. Hume’s passion for language and education shines through in his work. For readers interested in the historical development of language and the importance of standardized spelling and grammar, ‘Of the Orthographie and Congruitie of the Britan Tongue’ is a scholarly and informative read that offers valuable insights into the linguistic practices of the past.

About the author

Alexander Hume, not to be mistaken with the philosopher David Hume, holds a distinctive place in the annals of English linguistics for his seminal work on the orthography and grammar of the English language. While records of his life are not as plentiful as those of some of his contemporaries, it is known that he carried the title of ‘schoolmaster’, indicative of his role in education during the early modern period. Hume’s contributions to linguistic scholarship are best encapsulated in his work, ‘Of the Orthographie and Congruitie of the Britan Tongue’, a treatise that is regarded as a pioneering study in English orthography. His contributions marked an early attempt to standardize English spelling, at a time when the language was rife with regional variations and lacked systematic rules. Hume’s scholarly approach to the study of English in 16th century England was instrumental in the gradual movement towards standardized spelling. His work is characterized by a meticulous concern with the sound of the spoken language and its representation in written form, reflecting a blend of etymological and phonetic principles. This text not only provides a window into the linguistic thoughts of the time but also serves historical linguists as a valuable resource in tracing the evolution of the English language.