this post was submitted on 24 Aug 2023
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Today I Learned (TIL)

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[–] rephlekt2718@kbin.social 11 points 2 years ago (2 children)

What does independent mean here? Not influenced by a previous writing system? Does this imply that all other writing systems have a singular source?

[–] ggppjj@lemmy.world 29 points 2 years ago (1 children)

It implies that most of the written languages we're aware of have been based on preexisting character sets, with very few root character sets. This is one of those few root sets.

[–] rephlekt2718@kbin.social 6 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Amazing! Do you happen to know where the root sets arose from?

[–] sgibson5150@kbin.social 28 points 2 years ago (1 children)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_writing#Inventions_of_writing

According to the article, experts currently believe that writing was invented independently at least four times:

  • Mesopotamia (between 3400 and 3100 BCE)
  • Egypt (around 3250 BCE)
  • China (1200 BCE)
  • Mesoamerica (by 500 BCE)

There is still debate around Rongorongo script and Vinča symbols, since no is sure if they are actually writing systems.

[–] rephlekt2718@kbin.social 7 points 2 years ago

This is sick, thanks for the info!!

[–] SeriousBusinessSocks@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

A very very good and tragic podcast about Easter island, where this is also mentioned. The whole series is excellent.

Fall of Civilizations Podcast - 6. Easter Island Where Giants Walked

[–] Burnt@lemmy.one 2 points 2 years ago

Such an amazing series! I love that there are content creators who make documentaries that rival mainstream production companies in terms of quality and their content is practically free.