Writing Systems

Module code: LIN501

Credits: 15.0
Semester: SEM2

Contact: Prof Daniel Harbour

This module will explore the history, form and function of writing systems from around the world: Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, Chinese pictograms, Ancient Greek and modern Japanese syllabaries, the vowelless alphabets of Hebrew/Arabic, the 'fusional' alphabets of Sanskrit/Hindi, the 'separational' alphabets of Modern Europe. We will also look at various attempts to create 'perfect' writing systems, such as that of Korea and the IPA and its rivals. Through the module, you will gain an understanding of the phonological/morphological demands that languages place on their writing systems and how this leads to innovation and development. We will also examine sociological aspects of different systems (particularly in relation to the spread of systems and the role of writing in language preservation/endangerment) and what writing reveals about the organisation of the mind/brain.

Connected course(s): UDF DATA
Assessment: 100.0% Coursework
Level: 5