Shavian Alphabet Chart
The Shavian alphabet (also called the Shaw alphabet) is a constructed phonemic alphabet for English. This page lists its 48 letters.
Downloads
Open a clean view, then download the file you need.
Understanding Shavian Letters
The Shavian alphabet is a phonemic writing system designed to represent English sounds more consistently than traditional English spelling. Instead of many spelling exceptions, Shavian aims for a clearer sound-to-symbol approach.
Because it is sound-based, Shavian feels logical once you learn the letters. Each symbol is meant to represent a specific consonant or vowel sound.
Use the chart above as your reference. Learn the shapes first, then connect each shape to a stable sound. Speed comes later.
Reading Shavian as Sound Symbols
Read Shavian by decoding sound-by-sound and blending into words. Do not try to “see” English spelling patterns, because Shavian is designed to avoid them.
Learn vowels early. Vowel symbols carry a lot of meaning, and reading becomes easier once you can recognize common vowel patterns quickly.
Practice short sequences and short words. Repetition builds automatic recognition, which is the key to fluency.
How to Write Shavian Letters Properly
Shavian is written left to right and does not use uppercase and lowercase in the same way as Latin script. Your writing goal is consistent proportions and clean curves so symbols stay distinct.
Write each symbol slowly at first, then repeat it several times. After that, write it inside short sound strings. This teaches both shape and sound mapping.
Use contrast practice for similar-looking symbols. Alternate the two shapes on one line and read them back.
Use the worksheet for repetition and recall. Copy a small set today, then rewrite it tomorrow from memory.
Learning Tips for Shavian Alphabet
Learn by sound groups: vowels together and consonants together. Grouping reduces confusion and speeds up memory.
Keep practice short and daily. Ten minutes per day is enough to build stable recognition.
Avoid translating into English spelling. Treat Shavian as its own sound-based system and let the mapping do the work.
Practice Shavian With Downloads
Use the PDF as a printable chart, the image for quick checks, and the worksheet for writing drills. A clean chart nearby helps you correct shape mistakes immediately.
Pick a small set of symbols today, practice them well, and expand gradually. Shavian becomes comfortable once sound mapping is automatic.