Scripts by Writing Systems

A writing system comprises a particular set of symbols, called a script, as well as the rules by which the script represents a particular language. Writing systems can generally be classified according to how symbols function according to these rules, with the most common types being alphabets, syllabaries, and logographies. Alphabets use symbols called letters that correspond to spoken phonemes. Abjads generally only have letters for consonants, while pure alphabets have letters for both consonants and vowels. Abugidas use characters that correspond to consonant–vowel pairs. Syllabaries use symbols called syllabograms to represent syllables or moras. Logographies use characters that represent semantic units, such as words or morphemes.

Script Evolution Trees

The evolution of scripts and writing systems is a fascinating journey that showcases human ingenuity and the desire to communicate. Starting with logographic systems, where symbols represent words or morphemes (the smallest meaningful units of language), writing has evolved through several stages and across different civilisations. Some evolutions started from egyptian, chinese, and mesoamerican logographics.