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- Title
The Spelling Bee: What Makes it an American Institution?
- Authors
WHITSITT, SAM
- Abstract
The article discusses spelling bees as a folk institution in the U.S. The etymology of the word "spell" is examined. The author looks at previous examinations of spelling bees, including the documentary film "Spellbound," directed by Jeffrey Blitz. The author argues that one reason spelling bees are American is that they were not held in England during the colonial period. The importance put on spelling and pronunciation in England is talked about. The role of lexicographer Noah Webster in spelling reform in the U.S. is also discussed.
- Subjects
UNITED States; SPELLING bees; SPELLING competitions; WEBSTER, Noah, 1758-1843; SPELLBOUND (Film); COLONIAL United States, ca. 1600-1775
- Publication
Journal of Popular Culture, 2010, Vol 43, Issue 4, p881
- ISSN
1540-5931
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1540-5931.2010.00775.x