An improved spell check function and handheld electronic device provide a spell checking feature that is available in a plurality of data entry fields of a plurality of applications. A memory on the handheld electronic device has a plurality of linguistic data sources which are searched for linguistic data during a spell check operation. Generic linguistic data is stored in a static data source, and other linguistic data is stored in a dynamic data source. An identification of a misspelled text entry results in an editing session being automatically opened on the misspelled text entry. Proposed spell check interpretations of a text entry are output in a list, and an actuation of a key further results in the outputting of a menu of selectable spell check options. At least some of the selectable spell check options are selectable either with a track ball or with a key of a keypad.