Orthography refers to the conventional spelling system of a language, encompassing the rules and norms that govern how words are written. It plays a crucial role in communication, ensuring that written language is consistent and understandable. Different languages have unique orthographic systems, which can include variations in letters, diacritics, and punctuation.
The study of orthography also involves understanding how these spelling conventions evolve over time and how they can differ between dialects. For instance, British English and American English exhibit distinct orthographic differences, such as the spelling of words like 'colour' versus 'color'.