What is generally said to be inconsistencies in English writing system is not really inconsistent. K.H. Albrow (1972, 20) analyses, for example, '-live' of 'alive' into <l><i-e><v> and 'live' into <l><i><ve>. <ve> is similar in its function to doubled consonants, as <ff> of 'stiff'. <v> never occurs syllable-finally in English.
See K.H. Albrow, "The English writing system: notes towards a description" (Longman). This is an excellent piece of academic work. The author's discussions are convincing.
Albrow is a Firthian phoneticain and polysystemist.
Yosihiro Masuya
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Yosihiro Masuya
Prof. Emer. of phonetics & English linguistics,
Konan University
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