(Unfortunately, it uses the same symbol for different sounds such as b, p, and v.) George Bernard Shaw, a famous man of letters, developed a phonetic alphabet. For some reason it didn’t catch on.

There are two different alphabets, the NATO Phonetic Alphabet, and the Western Union Phonetic Alphabet. Both work just fine, and knowing the correct words to use should help speed up the process ...

The NATO Phonetic Alphabet (and Pronunciations) In 1956, NATO allies decided to adopt one phonetic alphabet for all members to use, changing only a few letters from the previous version. It's the ...

A phonetic alphabet is useful when you’re dictating the spelling of a word or two for someone, such as a name. It is particularly useful for distinguishing between B/D and M/N.

“It’s called the Phonetic alphabet that’s a legitimate thing that people know and learn,” gushed Brogan. “What the f–k, mind is blown!” Getty Images/iStockphoto ...

It is completely phonetic." The mechanics of introducing a new alphabet like SaypU are far from simple. The website currently has 10,000 words that can be translated into the new alphabet.

The NATO Phonetic Alphabet (and Pronunciations) In 1956, NATO allies decided to adopt one phonetic alphabet for all members to use, changing only a few letters from the previous version.

He has set up SaypU, an alphabet with none of the indecipherable squiggles of traditional phonetic alphabets. It contains 23 letters from the Roman alphabet as well as a back to front e.

Backers of a universal alphabet say it will make pronunciation easy and foster international understanding. But can phonetic spelling systems really smooth the path to world peace? You are in ...