What Is the Proper Characterization of the Alphabet?

Abstract

To a point an alphabet can be viewed as a "language" and described by a "grammar"; however, since for any such language many different grammars are possible, to take the "linguistic" analog seriously is to want to find criteria for judging which "correct" grammar is "best." If we grant that the alphabet’s users have some systematic mental representation of the alphabet, then the basis for this judgment is clear: that grammar is best which best approximates to the system that people have in their heads. To show how psychological evidence bears on this question, two sophisticated "linguistic" analyses of the alphabet are examined; the conclusion is drawn that the evidence points toward another analysis.