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| 0176 |
Results of a Scientific Mission to India and High Asia : vol.3 |
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adopted by all nations has but little chance of success, though all the researches
referring to the subject, are of the greatest importance, and have materially facilitated
the rapid progress of comparative philology.
Simplicity in the mode of spelling generally used, and the avoiding as much as
possible of all unusual signs and letters, not only assist the general spreading of a
system, but possess also a real practical bearing. On this particular head I may
refer to Colonel Arthur Cotton's detailed considerations "On the Study of Living
Languages."¹ With regard to the more general introduction of Roman characters in
preference to the use of native alphabets, there seems to be a good chance of success,
at least if we may rely upon the opinion of many men thoroughly acquainted, by
long personal residence and experience, with the condition of the country.
As a further consideration I may suggest that, although a powerful influence
attaches to the political position of Europeans in the Orient, it might yet be con-
siderably enhanced by the introduction of the Roman alphabet, provided the effect
of the latter was not weakened by the employment of too many distinctions, which
would materially limit its ready acceptation by the natives.
I cannot do better, in concluding this portion of my essay, than recur to
Dr. Caldwell's noteworthy remarks upon this subject: he says, that the Roman
alphabet is "a) the most simple, b) the most legible, c) the most compact character
in existence; its introduction would decidedly facilitate the writing and reading of
the native languages, even for the natives."²
5. ACCOUNT OF SYSTEMS HITHERTO PROPOSED.
The works in connection with the various questions alluded to above, are far
too numerous to be quoted here with any attempt at completeness; we have, how-
ever, here brought together the titles of many standard and useful productions as
an assistance to the reader. As particularly interesting for general consideration
I first mention Lepsius's "Standard Alphabet for reducing Unwritten Languages
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