Today in class we discussed how written language evolved into an alphabet. An alphabet is a set of symbols or characters that are used to represent elementary sounds in language. We discussed the use of logograms (like the $) sign. The Phaisotos Disk was an early example of not only movable type but also stamping, and printing. Next came the Phoenician alphabet that lacked vowels. The Greeks followed with a prettier and vowel-inclusive language. They developed 'uncials' which was a rounded way of script.
Rome developed the Latin alphabet. They were greatly influenced by the Greeks and developed Serifs. There are different theories as to how these "flags" were added onto characters. The Arabic written language was also developed and was very beautiful, along with the Korean alphabet.
Parchment was invented but was always organized in the form of scrolls, and Christians began to frequently use the codex.
The Chinese culture contributed greatly to the written language with their development of calligraphy. It was a more abstract form of writing that was very artistic. It began with the inventor examining claw marks and footprints from animals. Calligraphy evolved many times throughout history, mostly due to various emperors attempting to unite all people under one understood written script. The Chinese did not make much use of movable type as the language contained over 40,000 characters thus rendering movable type inconvenient.
MOST MEANINGFUL
I believe calligraphy is the most meaningful thing we discussed in class today. It brought a completely different dynamic to the written word. Not only was it used for communication now, but also it became an art form.
QUESTION
I am a little confused as to what exactly a codex is!
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