Types of writing systems

Question 1

Logographic scripts

Answer 1

Each sign stands for a word. Thousands of signs needed.

Question 2

Ideographic scripts

Answer 2

Each sign stands for an idea. Thousands of signs needed.

Question 3

Syllabic scripts

Answer 3

Each sign stands for a syllable (e.g. pa). Hundreds of signs needed.

Question 4

Alphabetic scripts

Answer 4

Each sign stands for a sound. Several dozen signs needed.

Question 5

Original invention of the alphabet

Answer 5

• Occurred between 1500 & 1200BC.
• Involved a Semitic language (like Ugaritic, Akkadian, Canaanite, Phoenician, or Aramaic.)
• Resulted in the Phoenician alphabet by c. 1200BC.
• Produced a script written from right to left.
• Only consonants.