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We may consider it a general rule that the best
English is that in which Saxon-derived words are
used the most freely; that it is better, for com-
mon purposes at least, to say "like" than "simi-
lar," "help" than "assist," "give" than "pre-
" than
sent," beg" than "solicit," "kinsman
"" neighborhood
"relation,"
" than "vicinity,"
"praise" than "encomium."

From the Mystic Pioneer.
Phonology-No. 1.

85

LEST the readers of the Pioneer should grow weary of the articles upon the English language, I have thought it best to discontinue them, at least for the present, but in the meantime I bespeak the attention of students of language to the subject of Phonology, or the doctrine of Elementary Sounds.

That is a good advice of the author of Guesses at Truth: "When you doubt between two words, In all languages, each spoken word consists chose the plainest, the commonest, the most idioof a single elementary sound, or of a combinamatic. Eschew fine words as you would rouge; love simple ones as you would native roses on tion of such sounds; and usually a written word consists of the several letters representing your cheeks." the several sounds heard in the pronunciation Sometimes, however, a single of the word. letter, in certain positions, is made to represent two or more sounds at once, constituting a syllable.

Let us then call a spade a spade. Let us use the plainest and shortest words that would grammatically and gracefully express our meaning.

A SCHOOLMASTER, hearing one of his scholars read, the boy when he came to the word honor, pronounced it full; the master told him it should be pronounced without the H, as thus: "'onor."

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Very well, sir," replied the lad, "I will remember for the future."

"Ay," said the master, "always drop the H." The next morning the master's tea with a hot muffin had been brought to his desk: but the duties of his vocation made him wait till it was cold, when, addressing the same boy, he told him to take it to the fire and heat it.

"Yes sir," replied the boy, and taking it to the fire, eat it, Presently the master called for

the muffin.

The English language has forty-eight elementary sounds, while the French has only about thirty-eight. But among these French sounds are several which are not found in English. The German has some sounds which are not found

in either French or English. Among all the
known languages there may be found a total of
All these may be
eighty elementary sounds.
arranged in four classes, viz:

1st. Tonics, or tones, a in the word make,

of e in the word men, &c.

- such as the sound of of o in the word go, These are free, un

interrupted sounds of the voice.
2d. Subtonics, or undertones,

- such as the of b in the word These are sounds some

“I have eat it, as you bade me," replied the sound of m in the word make, boy.

I bade you take

"Eat it, you scoundrel! it to the fire and heat it." "But, sir," answered the lad, "yesterday you told me always to drop the H."

---

boy, of g in go, &c.
what interrupted or modified by the closing of
the mouth, raising the tongue, &c.

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3d. Atonics, or whispered articulations, such as the sound of k in the word make, in the word pay,— of t in time, &c. 4th. Ambiques, or sounds resembling both such as the sound of w of y in yet, &c. The tonics are often called vowels, and the subtonics and atonics together are called consonants, while the ambiques are referred sometimes to one class and sometimes to the other.

What a delightful thing it must be to be a "schoolmaster abroad." The income of a Chi- tonics and subtonics, nese schoolmaster depends on the number of his in the word way, pupils, but they must not exceed twenty; because it is held that he could not attend to a greater number with the necessary care. Every boy is bound to give his teacher annually the folThe smoothness and melody of language delowing articles :-Rice, 50 lbs; for extra provis ions 300 cash; lamp oil, 1 catty (1 1-3 lbs.) ; lard, pends mostly upon the vowels, while the vigor 1 catty; salt, 1 catty; tea, 1 catty; and, besides, and significance of it depend mostly upon the a sum of from $1 50 to $1, according to the boy's The lessons are continued age and ability. throughout the whole year with only one month's holiday at the new year, when the engagement of a teacher always terminates and a new contract must be made.

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the consonants be omitted, the writing will be entirely illegible.

Changes of this kind often become permanent in certain districts, giving rise to distinct diaThe vowels resemble each other much more lects. Sometimes, too, the modified forms of closely than the consonants, and nence it re- words assume distinct significations, and thus quires a more thorough training of the ear to become new words - either enlarging the vocadistinguish them accurately. Consequently bulary of the people where the changes occur, they are much more frequently changed in pro- if they retain both old and new forms, or maknunciation and in writing. In fact, these vow-ing a greater difference of dialect between them els are so extremely unstable and fluctuating and others if they do not.

dip dab,

nape nab,
knop knob,
beef beeves,
leaf leaves,

belief believe, withe with, cloth clothe,

that in tracing the deviations and relationships Let the student observe the following pairs of of words they are almost wholly disregarded. English words, in which there is about as close The Hebrew language was formerly written, a resemblance in meaning as in sound and spelland is now sometimes, without any vowels at ing: all. But notwithstanding the apparent insig- nip nib, nificance of the vowels in respect to Etymolo- nipple nibble, gy, yet they are by no means to be despised in pooh booh, respect to elegance of pronunciation. It re- peak beak, quires close discrimination, a well-trained ear, poll boll, patch batch, and much skill to pronounce the vowels accupish bish, rately, and for this reason there is always a very pat bat, perceptible difference between the pronunciation spite bite, of them by those who have enjoyed the advan- puff buff, tages of refined society, and those who have poor boor.

not.

wreath wreathe, sheath sheathes, moth moths,

leave left,

heave heft,

mouth mouths,

have haft,

breath breathe,

seive sift,

loth loathe,

weave weft,
wave waft,

worth worthy,

north northern,

These words illustrate the changes of p and b,

The consonants, though much less fluctuating of f and v, and of th and th. than the vowels, are yet liable to many changes; but these changes conform to certain laws, and it is of very great importance to the student of language to understand these laws. To endeavor to throw some light upon them is the principal object of the present article.

The changes of t and d may be seen in the following pairs of English and equivalent Ger

man words:

English.

German.

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1st. Most of the consonants are naturally arranged in pairs, a subtonic and an atonic together. Thus, the sound of p in the word pay, the sound of b in the word bay, are made with the lips in the same position, and the only differ- of the advantage which the student may derive ence between them is, that in giving the latter, from a knowledge of these transmutations of the column of air in the throat is made to vi- sounds. Knowing that t and d are interchangbrate, producing the voice, while in the former able letters, the above German words become case it is not. These are called conelative sounds. immediately intelligible to the English student, There is the same relation between the t and d without the use of a dictionary; and in like as between the p and b; also between the th in manner the English words become intelligible think and the th in then, &c., &c. to the German student.

In pursuing this subject, I shall have occasion to introduce words from various languages,

The consonant sounds of the English language may be represented as follows: Subtonics-b, d, j, g, v, th, z, zh, -r, r, l, m, and shall use the following abbreviations, viz.:

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Editors' Department.

A SPLENDID OFFER. We offer to any person who will send us the names of EIGHT NEW SUBSCRIBERS, with the money enclosed, (one dollar for each subscriber) a copy of that magnificent standard work, Lippincott's Pronouncing Gazetteer of the World, price $6.00. By a little exertion every teacher may own this indispensable help for the student.

IT is doubtless well known to most that the Rhode Island Institute of Instruction has held meetings in various sections of the State during the past year. The interest manifested in these gatherings has been of a marked character. We have reason to hope that great good has been accomplished, and that the noble cause of popular education has received an impetus.

At Bristol a meeting was holden in September last. The sessions were continued two days. There was a full attendance, both of teachers and citizens. The hearty sympathy in the cause which was then felt by all present is most cheering. We recall with mingled emotions of pleasure and graWITH the present number of THE SCHOOLMAS- titude the enthusiasm and efficient zeal of the venTER we commence the seventh volume. During erable Dr. Shepard of B. Many a teacher will the past twelve months it has made its visits with ever feel deeply grateful to him for his kind syma measure of promptness quite commendable. pathy and willing cooperation. We can never forget Kind reader, what think you of its new dress? his words of welcome, gushing forth from his overDo you think it becoming? We imagine you re-flowing heart, kind assurances of sympathy in the ply, "Oh very, indeed. THE SCHOOLMASTER has teacher's trials, his earnest wishes for the onward rejuvenated. It wears its new dress with grace. growth of the great and godlike cause of public A fit time to cast off the year worn vestment and instruction. As he closed by a "welcome, thrice to come forth with newness and freshness of spring welcome to our hearts and homes," many a heart beauty." Well, we do agree with you, that the old leaped forth with reanimated zeal, while new courmust yield to the new, in these days of progress. age pressed us forward in the duties of life. May Should this new appearance at first throw a strange this venerable benefactor long live to shed a pure air over an old friend, we trust a few chats will re-light far around. store our wonted familiarity.

From what we saw of the zeal

of Bristol citizens, their generous hospitality, their prompt attendance at all meetings, as well as unmistakable solicitude for our success, we think that the interests of our Normal School can never chill while within the limits of that charming village.

As to the picture, we must confess that not without valuable counsel did we presume to commit so great an innovation upon the past memories. We hope, however, that all will be disposed to concur, and to those who cannot bear the loss without pain, At Westerly a very profitable meeting was en"a fair exchange is no robbery," instead of cuts joyed by a large number of citizens and teachers. we leave wounds, and cancel the debt. Our noble There was a full attendance of youth, throwing a "Roger" has sailed away. His old canoe no pleasant smile of welcome on every side. The more swims on the rippling Seekonk, yet he calm- lectures were eminently practical, and the discusly floats on the sea of memories flowing from the sions were carried on with much earnestness and hearts of a grateful posterity. The old copper credit. The teacher of the High School, Mr. colored chief has stepped from the rock. Beck- Foster, with his well tuned violin, led a host of oned by the waning destiny of his race, he has laid boys and girls in the chorus of the significant air of him down with tomahawk and arrows to dream of A, B, C, Bravo! Bravo! Boy! how well your task pleasant hunting grounds in the far off west, where you know." Westerly is a live town, and there the "Great Spirit" calls the Sun to rest. Quiesare many noble hearts that beat in unison for the cat in pace. Instead, prominently stands the seal upward march of our educational system. While of the State, thereby showing that our journal we ran to the whistle of the locomotive, with the shall ever prove loyal to its foster land. May it last grip of warm hands, we heard the pleasant long live to shed a wholesome light upon all of our echo, "come again.” interests, and prove a valuable agent in raising the

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Space forbids us to speak of Pascoag, Wocnpublic sentiment in regard to the great and grow-socket, Centreville, Washington Village. Whering truth of popular education.

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ever we have been we have invariably found the latch string hanging outside," and "like nature's own noblemen," friendly and frank, we have found

men with their hearts in their hands." Teachers, come with us and help us sow, that we may together reap in eternity.

READER, if you wish to find an article that will repay you for close study, read the one under the department of Philology. It is from the pen of If you want to get suited and come away a hapour friend and fellow editor who has heretofore pier customer, call on our jolly Snow of the "Big signed himself "T."

Ledger."

A TRIBUTE TO LEARNING.-A few days since, a lad (colored) from the Meeting Street School of this city was invited to visit one of our grammar schools for the purpose of spelling with the pupils of that school. He out spelled all, both old and young. This was really remarkable, since the rate of spelling is by no means of any ordinary height in the grammar school, and what is more extraordinary, this little son of Ethiopia is only a little rising six years.

Should you happen to meet this little prodigy in orthography coasting, you will by inquiry find that he is pulling behind him a new sled, purchased by the contributed coppers of the pupils of the school so fairly beaten, and to leave no mistake as to the reason of the donation, you read in fair letters upon his little vehicle -"The Speller."

Philology.

COMMUNICATIONS for this Departinent should be addressed to Wм. A. MOWRY, Providence.

For the Schoolmaster.

The One-Sidedness of Grammatical and
Rhetorical Teaching.

MR. MARSH, in the first lecture of his series on the English Language, briefly states the argument with which he would refute the position that the direct, conscious study of their own languages by numerous modern scholars is a sign that these languages are in a state of decay. Considering the relation to Livy and Virgil in which stand Priscian and Donatus, famous writers on the Latin lanFRAMINGHAM NORMAL SCHOOL. The exami-guage in its decadence, the professed grammarian nation of the Framingham (Mass.) Normal School of the present day must need for his consolation occurred on Monday and Tuesday of this week. the firm faith entertained by Mr. Marsh. But the The exercises were of a very gratifying character, belief of the distinguished student of English in and evinced the skill and fidelity of the instruc- regard to the significance of his professional labor, as much as it makes for his own dignity, seems by tors. The gymnastic drill under Dr. Lewis was a new feature, and awakened great interest. Dr. no means arbitrary. It is not only a comfortable Lewis is now regularly employed as a teacher of conviction, bnt one very acceptable to reason. gymnastics in this school, and the result of the The modern man of culture knows himself, phiexperiment, continued now for one half a year, losophizes, painfully questions the aim of life. has been eminently satisfactory. At the close of Self-consciousness is no longer his peril, but the the examination, addresses were made by Hon. Joseph White, the Secretary of the Board, Rev. A. H. Quint, J. Hagar, and Rev. Dr. Paine.

The

very foundation of his development. Homer and Herodotus are now impossible; but slavery is discussed and theological dogmas are tested by the individual intellects of vast numbers of men. WE hear from one of our Fall River friends that modern world is strong and progressive through by the perseverance of the excellent principal of its very unrest. It scrutinizes all departments of the High School in that city, Mr. Gough, Dr. material prosperity, all religious beliefs, and, of Lewis is to give a course of his eminently practicable system of gymnastics. We are glad to know that the importance of physical training and exercise is so well appreciated by our Fall River friends. We speak what we know when we say that Dr. Lewis is master of his system, and he not only has a splendid theory, but he can do himself all he asks of his pupils. It should be introduced as a system in all our public schools.

course, its language. Therefore we decide without misgiving that, though we have learned not to look for lectures on the Latin language till that language is visibly dead, we will not tremble for our mother tongue when we see scores of dissectors laying bare its anatomy.

Let then the grammatic art be justified, because it bodes no ill. On the other hand, the positive value of the science of philology is very great. That department which treats of the means by WE had the pleasure of listening to a familiar which the human soul expresses itself can have demonstration, with blackboard and crayon, of but few superiors in rank of dignity.

Far above

Potter & Hammond's analytical and progressive the sciences which deal with matter, it deserves to system of penmanship, by S. A. Potter, Esq. This stand very near to theology and mental philosophy. gentleman evinced great familiarity with princi- But as the deepest lore of the theologian, when ples, and made his audience feel the simplicity of

his system.
We call attention of teachers and
committees to an advertisement of these enterpris-
ing publishers of an excellent system.

uttered in his dogmas, is inadequate, nay, even hostile, to the truth of the young, seeking soul, so are the dictations of the philologist very often oppressive when one would speak naturally the We take pleasure in calling attention of our thought or the sentiment that seeks expression. readers to an excellent article upon the study of It is no incivility to the doctor, either of divinity History. The writer talks not without experience, or philology, to prefer far other rules than his for as his sentiments prove. We hope this most wor- the conduct and practice of life. The results of thy theme may find a champion in F. B. who is his researches or abstract thinking interest us as willing to continue the contest. Friend F. B., searchers and thinkers; but we also have our ora don't lose "that pen."

cles.

The investigator of the history or vocabulary of First, the soul itself, which is impelled to body a language is very frequently not content with forth a thought, has its own character, distinct, stating his discoveries and his theories. His gen- and twin to no other. This, too, is immediately eralizations assume the form of dictation, and men concerned in the speech of the tongue. It is not are warned against forms of speech which had that the mind in an interior sanctuary elaborates hitherto conveyed their meaning. Correspondent the thought, and having delivered this over to other with this tendency of the philologists is the readi- faculties for utterance, is no longer occupied thereness of all persons who have once fairly entertain-with. Words are as natural as blushes on the ed the idea of culture to accept their prescription. cheek, or gestures of the arms. In the very Refined persons keep guard over two things,- thought or feeling itself lies its only appropriate their manners and their speech. Your solecisms manifestation. The soul is the final and supreme indicate ill-breeding. When the self-possession is law of its own utterance. But this grand law is disturbed, the speech becomes incoherent. The obeyed only by persons who occupy the extremes tongue of the man, like that of a pair of scales, of culture. The speech and the manners of the indicates whether he is well-balanced. People most ignorant have a charm cognate with that posversed in good society manage these matters with sessed by persons of the very highest development. graceful ease and carelessness. Their facility is Between these two classes is the great mass of the despair of the new-comer. He has his idea men and women in every civilized country, who on the subject of the conversation, but it avails consciously acknowledge allegiance to a second He has compromised his own freedom of law, viz: Duty with regard to their expression.

not.

speech by beholding a freedom still greater and yet more obedient to law.

One-sidedness is not then a feature peculiar to grammatical discipline. To acknowledge it as exPropriety in the use of language must then hold isting here is not perhaps so important as to aca very prominent place in the system of education knowledge it in some other departments of disciwhich professedly aims to develop the man. For pline. The perception of the validity of laws hosthis propriety is not only demanded by culture as tile to the scholastic ones, of the equal truth of its first stepping-stone, but it is henceforward to opposite propositions in any realm of thought, will form the very sign of culture, the indication that be very wholesome to the teacher. Pupils have a it exists. Do we not here express the present at- truth also. To insist on your own is one side; to titude of education towards the science and disci- acknowledge theirs is the other. The practical pline of grammar? Principles and rules are to application of what have seemed our too speculabe learned by the pupil, not like those of mathe- tive statements suggests itself readily in many matics, as apparatus for mental gymnastics, but ways. The study of linguistic science, from the for daily application. Habits of speech imported elements of grammar up to rhetoric and criticism, from the family and the street, or perhaps, out- presents, on its positive side, innumerable relagrowths of the very nature itself of the learner, tionships with morals and the study of character, are to be trimmed away. Grammatical precision so that a comprehensive view of it must involve is insisted upon as the standard of perfection. deeper things than etymology and syntax. We The teacher rarely thinks of going beyond the speak now of the study of language, not as an instatement, it is ungrammatical,- to find the rea-teresting object of scientific investigation, but as son for a correction which troubles the inquiring the means of conversation and of literature. pupil. The grammar itself is the ultimatum; and the art is to train the learner to express his idea or thought in such a manner as not to violate a single rule.

The sturdy, forcible English of the bar-room or the street, vulgar and profane as it may be, is one of the best dialects for getting anything well expressed. Emerson finds a place in the diversity of In the higher department of rhetoric, which em- talent for good swearers. The speech of these braces the study of styles, analogous statements rude men is not strained. It may lack certain will still hold good. An objective standard is graces, but the compensation works strongly in alone presented. The pupil bears such directions their favor. With what degree of self-possession, as pertain to choice of styles. Irving or Macaulay is recommended. Model is a frequent word in this province.

brother teachers, do you deport yourself among the free and easy vagabonds who have no fear of the proprieties? We assert this as the criterion of Grammar and rhetoric, therefore, like the other the goodness of a man's English; that it be as dogmatic departments of education, are one-sided. strong as his thought. Meanwhile we do not deny Neither in physics or in ethics is the stated law the authority of the grammar. But the two sides concentric with the growth and health of the man. are not coordinate. Nature bears expressing, and In vain does the rhetorician protest that he will the language of persons who care not to conceal not pretend to teach what to say, but only how to is beautiful. How coarse and unrestrained is say it. No fault can be imputed to him or to his Shakspeare in almost every scene. We are amus

science.

Rule and canon are by nature partial. ed to hear pious persons wish he had been sanctiA double law governs every conscious utterance.fied. But they lack the virtue, and Shakspeare

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