How did the alphabet evolve over time?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the evolution of the alphabet, particularly focusing on the origins of specific letters, cultural implications of ancient writing systems, and comparisons between different historical scripts. Participants explore various aspects of the alphabet's development, including Proto-Sinaitic culture and the transition from Archaic Latin to Roman scripts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the letter "O" may have originated from an image of an eye, referencing a chart and Wikipedia for support.
  • Another participant humorously lists modern objects and characters to suggest that ancient Proto-Sinaitic culture had similarities to contemporary culture, though this is presented in a light-hearted manner.
  • A participant questions the reasons behind the reversal of letters from Archaic Latin to Roman, speculating on whether Archaic scripts were written right to left and pondering the implications of such a change.
  • A participant mentions a NOVA series that covers the topic of the alphabet's evolution, suggesting it as a resource for further exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of viewpoints, with some engaging in humorous speculation while others raise serious questions about historical writing practices. There is no clear consensus on the implications of the observations made.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on interpretations of historical artifacts and cultural practices, which may not be universally accepted or verified. The discussion includes speculative reasoning and humorous commentary that may not reflect established historical facts.

DennisN
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One of my friends sent a link to this illustration which I found very, very fascinating:

Visualizing-the-Evolution-of-the-Alphabet.png

(Image by Matt Baker, UsefulChart.com, image source: link)

If I decipher the chart correctly, e.g. the letter "O" developed from an image of an eye.
According to the wiki page about "O" an eye indeed seems to be the origin:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O#History

More info on wiki here: History of the alphabet
 
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What can we deduce about the ancient Proto-Sinaitic culture. Lessee...

Willem Dafoe doing a pose from Platoon.
A telly.
A recliner.
A syringe.
Willem Dafoe drawn by a Nazcan.
A lollipop.
A backscratcher.
A railway track.
The sign of a vector directed towards the surface.
A broken TV aerial on a roof.
Two hot dogs in a pot.
Captain Hook's right hand.
An electrocardiogram.
A bicycle handlebar.
A fixed TV aerial.
A particularly flat teapot.
A cul-de-sac.
A wine opener.
An engagement ring.
A man in a beanie hat.
A single hot dog in a pot.
A four-way intersection.

We conclude the culture was remarkably similar to ours.
 
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Bandersnatch said:
What can we deduce about the ancient Proto-Sinaitic culture. Lessee...

Willem Dafoe doing a pose from Platoon.
A telly.
A recliner.
A syringe.
Willem Dafoe drawn by a Nazcan.
A lollipop.
A backscratcher.
A railway track.
The sign of a vector directed towards the surface.
A broken TV aerial on a roof.
Two hot dogs in a pot.
Captain Hook's right hand.
An electrocardiogram.
A bicycle handlebar.
A fixed TV aerial.
A particularly flat teapot.
A cul-de-sac.
A wine opener.
An engagement ring.
A man in a beanie hat.
A single hot dog in a pot.
A four-way intersection.

We conclude the culture was remarkably similar to ours.
That's actually genius.
 
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Comparing the Archaic Latin and Roman sets, many of them have been reversed left to right in the Roman version. I have seen this before, and I still wonder about it. What caused that change? Did the Archaics write from right to left? Maybe we can date the invention of the mirror?
 
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