Nation of Deseret
God-Family-Freedom-Faith-Peace
Zo-ma-rah (Pure News)
Deseret Alphabet
What is the Deseret Alphabet?
The Deseret Alphabet is a phonetic alphabet that is used to write and read English. The Deseret Alphabet was originally developed in the mid 1800's, by the University of Deseret, as a replacement for the Latin Alphabet. The Nation of Deseret is promoting the use of the Deseret Alphabet as the local language of the Deseret region.
The purpose of the Nation of Deseret is to develop a self sufficient, unified region within the United States. One of the best ways to create a unified culture and develop a local identity is to use a language. The Deseret Alphabet is the language that will help unify the Deseret region.
It is important to not that there are slight differences in the Deseret Alphabet used by the Nation of Deseret and the Deseret Alphabet developed in the 1800's. These differences are mainly with what letters are used and how things are spelled.
To learn more about the Deseret Alphabet and what you can do to help promote this language continue reading.
History
The Deseret Alphabet was originally developed in the 1850's primarily by George D. Watt. Watt was part of a committee that was organized by Brigham Young. This committee was organized to create a system to simplify English.
The Deseret Alphabet went through a few variations during it’s life. However, despite the intense promotion of the alphabet, it did not catch on. One of the main reasons the Deseret Alphabet failed was that the cost of producing material in the new alphabet.
Only four books were produced using the Deseret Alphabet. These were the First and Second Deseret Readers, a selection of the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Mormon.
The Deseret Alphabet has continued to exist through hobbyists and researchers. The Deseret Alphabet we used historically in journals and letters. In modern times the Alphabet is mainly used for informal and art purposes.
In 2008, the Deseret Alphabet went through another revision in preparation for it’s use by the Nation of Deseret.
What can you do?
You may be wondering what you can do to help promote the Deseret Alphabet. Well here's a list of some things you can do. This is a simple list and there is obviously a lot more you can do.
LEARN THE DESERET ALPHABET - The most important thing you can do is to learn the Deseret Alphabet. Takes some time and learn the letters than make up the Deseret Alphabet. Learn how to spell English words in the Deseret Alphabet. It make take a while to get used to but just practice and constantly review the letters and soon you will be able to read and write in the Deseret Alphabet.
JOIN THE TRANSLATION COMMITTEE - If you are well versed in the Deseret Alphabet and have an interest in translating documents you can join the translation committee. The translation committee is a division of the Nation of Deseret in charge of translating English documents into the Deseret Alphabet. To learn more about joining the translation committee go to our Get Involved page.
JOIN THE FONT DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY - The use of the Deseret Alphabet on computers would be very difficult without fonts. We need people to help create a variety of fonts of the Deseret Alphabet. You can help us out here by going to our forum.
READ AND WRITE IN DESERET ALPHABET - After learning the Deseret Alphabet you should actually use it. If you see a signor a book in the Deseret Alphabet actually read it. Use your language skills.
Also you should write in the Deseret Alphabet. If you keep a journal start writing it using the Deseret Alphabet. It could also help you keep a it secret from people who might want to read it but can read the Deseret Alphabet. You can take notes using the Deseret Alphabet. Many times the spelling of words using the Deseret Alphabet is much shorter than using the Latin Alphabet. You can write faster using the Deseret Alphabet.
MAKE DOCUMENTS AND SIGNS - You can create your own translations of documents. If you are having a yard sale print two signs one in English and one in the Deseret Alphabet. You can make programs or fliers in both English and Deseret Alphabet. If you are a business owner you can create signs for your business in both English and the Deseret Alphabet. Window art can be done simply and would probably attract attention to your business.
We would love to hear of different ways you use to promote and use the Deseret Alphabet. Please send an email to us and tell us what you've done. You can even attach pictures if you want.
Resources
Learning Material:
Deseret Alphabet Language Objectives
Fonts:
Times New Deseret
