ELF Diacritic Notation - the System Supporting English Pronunciation while Preserving Standard Spelling

This publication contains a short description and user’s guide for ELF Diacritic Notation. ELF Diacritic Notation is a novel diacritic-based system for marking English pronunciation without altering standard orthography. The system preserves full compatibility with standard written English. The system is a simplified reading notation that prioritises intelligibility over phonetic precision and allows for certain exceptions. The goal of the ELF Diacritic Notation is to provide pronunciation guidance sufficient for international communication, taking into account the principles of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF), particularly the Lingua Franca Core (LFC). It is intended primarily for communication among non-native speakers, supporting intelligible reading and clear pronunciation while helping readers avoid automatic first-language habits and guiding them toward appropriate English sound production. The system is also suitable for learners, as it can present both spelling and pronunciation in a unified “two-in-one” format. This dual-function notation guides articulation while reinforcing spelling patterns, making it a practical tool for self-study materials and pedagogical texts. ELF Diacritic Notation is described in more detail in the article: “ELF Diacritic Notation – A Practical System Supporting Intelligible English Pronunciation for Non-native Users while Preserving Standard Spelling”, available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19007653 A Word template facilitating the insertion of diacritics and IPA symbols is available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19337355