The role of local attitudes in recent orthographic reform in Kope is examined. The previous Kope orthographic tradition is outlined, and two areas apparently requiring reform (nasal/fricative variation and vowel clusters versus semivowels). The concerns and the greater awareness among the locals regarding these orthographic changes are explored. Two areas in which a strong case for reform was made (long vowels and glottal stops, and word breaks) are also examined. It is concluded that while many of the problems of orthographic reform arise from sociological factors, others may arise from the interaction of the phonological analysis and the proposed reforms, and while resistance may point up problems in the underlying phonological analysis, a good analysis may also provide the basis for informed orthographic decisions. (MSE)