The Writing Systems of the World

Coulmas, Florian

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ISBN 10: 0631165134 ISBN 13: 9780631165132

Published by Basil Blackwell, Cambridge, Mass., 1990

Language: English

Condition: Used - Fine Hardcover

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About this Item

Cambridge, Mass. & Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1990. Large 8vo. 1st edition, 2nd printing. X + [302] pp. Printed black cloth. Price notation inside back cover. ; The Language Library; Large 8vo 9" - 10" tall; 312 pages.

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Bibliographic Details

Title: The Writing Systems of the World
Publisher: Basil Blackwell, Cambridge, Mass.
Publication Date: 1990
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0631165134
ISBN 13: 9780631165132
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: First Edition; Second Printing.
Condition: Fine+
Dust Jacket Condition: Fine+
Weight: 1.57 pounds

About this title

Synopsis

This book is ana account of writing systems from ancient times to the present. It traces the evolution from the iconic precursors of writing through stylized and abstract pictograms to purely arbitrary phonetic symbols. Among the sdubjects covered are Egyptian hieroglyphics and the cuneiform systems of the Near East, the persistence of the apparently cumbersome system of Chinese writing, the semitic languages of Western Asia and the Middle east, early Indian languages and the various alphabets that had their origins in pre-classical Greece. Within these contexts the author considers how scripts are deciphered, the way scripts relate to spoken languages, and the question of orthographic regularity. The author argues that writing is not merely a system of notation, but has a potent influence on the language itself.

Reviews

Coulmas argues that contrary to the views of some linguists, writing has an important place in the study of language. Though specialists will be most comfortable with the intricacies of this dispute, nonspecialists can still enjoy this book for the fascinating picture it paints of the world's major writing systems: Egyptian hieroglyphics, cuneiform, and Chinese characters; Semitic and Indian writing systems; and our own alphabet. Many illustrations are provided to clarify this material. Other subjects discussed include spelling reform and creating new writing systems. A full panoply of notes and an extensive bibliography are supplied. Recommended for all libraries.
- Catherine V. von Schon, SUNY at Stony Brook
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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