Synopses & Reviews
'This textbook introduces the major writing systems of the world - from cuneiform to English spelling.'
Synopsis
This textbook introduces the major writing systems of the world - from cuneiform to English spelling.
Synopsis
This richly illustrated textbook introduces the major writing systems of the world - from cuneiform to English spelling - explaining their structural makeup and how they work. It also includes a review of the history of writing and a discussion of the literate mind and the literate society.
Synopsis
During its long history the problem of reducing language to writing, and conversely that of interpreting written signs as language, has found a variety of solutions which still exist in the form of different writing systems. This richly illustrated textbook introduces the major writing systems of the world from cuneiform to English spelling--explaining their structural makeup and how they work. It also includes a review of the history of writing and a discussion of the literate mind and the literate society.
About the Author
Florian Coulmas is Professor of Japanese Studies at Gerhard Mercator University, Duisburg. He has published several works on writing and written language including The Encyclopedia of Writing Systems (1996) and The Writing Systems of the World (1989).
Table of Contents
1. What is writing?; 2. The basic options: meaning and sound; 3. Signs of words; 4. Signs of syllables; 5. Signs of segments; 6. Consonants and vowels; 7. Vowel incorporation; 8. Analysis and interpretation; 9. Mixed systems; 10. History of writing; 11. Psycholinguistics of writing; 12. Sociolinguistics of writing; Appendix: Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1.