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Why is Reading town pronounced as “Redding”?

Published

1 year ago

February 22, 2024

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The town of Reading, like many English towns, has a rich history dating back to its Roman origins. Initially known as Readingum, it gained its name from the Readingas tribe by the 8th century. However, a curious linguistic phenomenon surrounds its modern spelling, prompting the question: Why is the town Reading not spelled Redding?

Historical Roots: The journey begins with the town’s Old English roots, where it was originally referred to as “rǣding.” This Old English form encapsulated the pronunciation and essence of the town. Despite changes in spelling conventions over the centuries, the pronunciation remained steadfast, resulting in the current enigma of spelling versus pronunciation.

Metathesis Unveiled: The peculiar pronunciation of “reading” as “redding” in the UK can be attributed to a linguistic phenomenon called metathesis. Metathesis involves the rearrangement of sounds or letters within a word. In the case of Reading, the original Old English pronunciation held sway, and the sounds underwent a gradual shift, leading to the contemporary pronunciation.

Influence of Metathesis: Metathesis, a natural occurrence in language evolution, can transpire for various reasons. Ease of pronunciation and the organic development of language often play crucial roles in such linguistic shifts. In the case of Reading, it is plausible that the alteration in pronunciation occurred to enhance the word’s phonetic fluidity, making it more comfortable for speakers and aligning with the natural progression of language.

Language Dynamics: The metamorphosis from “rǣding” to “reading” exemplifies the dynamic nature of language. Over time, words undergo subtle changes in pronunciation and spelling, influenced by cultural, social, and linguistic factors. The divergence between spelling and pronunciation is not unique to Reading, but rather a common occurrence in the intricate tapestry of language evolution.

Conclusion: The mystery of why the town Reading is not spelled Redding unravels through the lens of linguistic evolution. Rooted in its Old English origins, the town’s name has weathered the ages, retaining its original pronunciation despite changes in spelling conventions. Metathesis, a fascinating linguistic phenomenon, provides insights into the gradual shifts that occur in language, reflecting the dynamic nature of communication over time. The town’s journey from “rǣding” to “reading” serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability inherent in the English language.

Related Topics:Why is Reading pronounced 'Redding'?Why is the town Reading is pronounced Redding?

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OLLY MURS plays READING – Palmer Park on Friday 13th June 2025!

Published

6 days ago

April 11, 2025

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Olly Murs fans, buckle up! The Palmer Park Summer Series is delighted to announce Olly Murs Live in Palmer Park, Reading on Friday 13th June 2025.

It’s 15 years since Olly exploded onto our screens, yet he is still more determined than ever about what’s next. With 7 successful albums, 5 of them reaching no.1, in excess of 2 million tour tickets sold, 7.6M monthly Spotify listeners & a combined following of over 27M across social media, Olly has so far had an incredible career as a singer, songwriter & TV personality.

2024 was also a busy year with Olly working 44 dates touring with Take That & finishing off the summer with a run of his own headliner gigs. Having just announced a summer tour in 2025,
Olly has another action-packed year ahead of him & will be celebrating his 15-year anniversary gigging all the hits as he travels down the road to Reading, Palmer Park with Legacy Live on Friday 13th June.

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate 15 fantastic years of Olly Murs in Reading! Book your tickets now at www.legacylive.co Limited Tickets Available!

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Host a Street Party This Summer – Apply Now for Free Road Closures in Reading

Published

2 weeks ago

April 4, 2025

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People are being encouraged to bring communities together this summer by holding their own street parties as part of The Big Lunch 2025.

This year’s celebrations are particularly significant, as they coincide with the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day – a special opportunity to come together with neighbours in both celebration and commemoration.

Free Road Closures for Summer 2025 Street Parties

Reading Borough Council is once again supporting local events by covering the cost of road closure fees for street parties on any of the following weekends:

Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 June – The Big Lunch Weekend
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June – Armed Forces Day
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 July
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 July

How to Apply

To host a street party, residents must apply by Monday 21 April 2025. Applications must ensure the proposed road closure does not affect a main through-route or public transport route. Organisers are also asked to consult with neighbours, address any concerns, and ensure access for emergency services is maintained throughout the event.

You’ll need to provide:

Your name and contact details
The name(s) of the road(s) to be closed
The date and times of the closure
A list of the properties that will be affected
Details of how you will notify residents of the closure
Confirmation that neighbours are on board with the plans

So, roll out your bunting, get the trestle tables down from the loft, and start planning your perfect summer street party!

For more information and to submit your application, visit the Reading Borough Council website.

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MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang shortlisted for women’s prize

Published

3 weeks ago

March 28, 2025

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MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang among shortlisted women for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction in 2025.

Yuan Yang, the MP for Woodley and Earley, wrote Private Revolutions: Coming of Age in a New China, while Oxford-based Dr Rachel Clarke wrote The Story of a Heart.

Ms Puri said the non-fiction works were “united by an unforgettable voice, rigour, and unique insight”.

The shortlist is rounded out by Dr Rachel Clarke’s The Story of a Heart, The Buffalo Stance singer’s A Thousand Threads, Chloe Dalton’s Raising Hare, Clare Mulley’s Agent Zo: The Untold Stories of Courageous WW2 Resistance Fighter Elzbieta Zawacka, and Helen Scales’ What the Wild Sea Can Be: The Future of the World’s Ocean.