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Bard Borch Michalsen

Signs of Civilisation: How punctuation changed history

Signs of Civilisation: How punctuation changed history

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  • More about Signs of Civilisation: How punctuation changed history

Punctuation is an essential part of our language code and has been a driving force in Western Civilization, leading to the invention of printing, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and the Industrial Revolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2020
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton


Punctuation is an essential component of our language code, playing a pivotal role in shaping our Western civilization. The invention of printing revolutionized the way we read books, making them accessible to a broader audience, including individuals and private groups. This shift facilitated the emergence of the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, and Industrial Revolution, all of which relied heavily on punctuation to convey meaning and structure.

Prior to the printing press, texts were primarily read aloud by an educated elite, and there was no need for punctuation to mark pauses, full stops, or questions. However, with the widespread dissemination of knowledge, the demand for punctuation increased. The full stop, comma, exclamation mark, question mark, and semicolon were introduced to mark these pauses and indicate the end of sentences, thus enhancing the clarity and readability of written texts.

Punctuation has had a profound impact on the development of modern-day Europe. It has helped standardize languages, making communication across borders easier and promoting cultural exchange. It has also played a crucial role in shaping the structure and content of literature, allowing authors to convey their ideas and emotions effectively.

In conclusion, punctuation is not just a tool for writing; it is a fundamental component of our language and culture. Its invention has transformed the way we read and communicate, and its impact on our Western civilization cannot be overstated. As we continue to evolve and adapt to new technologies, it is important to preserve and celebrate the power of punctuation in shaping our world.

Weight: 126g
Dimension: 128 x 196 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529326710

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