Understanding Relations Between Scripts II: Early Alphabets

The CREWS project, funded by the European Research Council, explores the contexts and relations between early writing systems in the Levant and Mediterranean during the second and first millennia BC. The first volume, Understanding Relations Between Scripts II: Early Alphabets, examines the early development of alphabetic writing systems and their cultural significance.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 31 October 2019
\n Publisher: Oxbow Books
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Contexts of and Relations Between Early Writing Systems (CREWS) is a groundbreaking project funded by the European Research Council under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement No. 677758). It is based in the Faculty of Classics at the University of Cambridge and aims to explore the intricate connections and relationships between early writing systems. This project brings together a team of ten esteemed experts in ancient writing, languages, and archaeology, who have come together to present a comprehensive collection of diverse studies on the early development of alphabetic writing systems and their widespread dissemination across the Levant and Mediterranean during the second and first millennia BC. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this project seeks to shed new light on the multifaceted nature of alphabetic writing, recognizing it not only as a means of recording language but also as a vital component of cultural heritage.

The first volume in this series, Understanding Relations Between Scripts II: Early Alphabets, serves as a pivotal contribution to the field. It brings together ten renowned experts who offer their insights and expertise on various aspects of early alphabetic writing systems. Through their comprehensive studies, the authors explore the historical, cultural, and linguistic factors that shaped the development of these systems and their spread across different regions.

The book is organized into five chapters, each dedicated to a specific aspect of alphabetic writing. The first chapter provides an overview of the historical development of early writing systems, including the emergence of cuneiform in Mesopotamia, hieroglyphics in Egypt, and the Phoenician alphabet. The second chapter delves into the cultural significance of alphabetic writing, examining how it facilitated communication, knowledge dissemination, and the establishment of complex societies. The third chapter explores the linguistic aspects of alphabetic writing, discussing the phonetic and grammatical principles that underpin these systems and the ways in which they evolved over time. The fourth chapter examines the social and political implications of alphabetic writing, discussing how it influenced power structures, governance, and cultural identity formation. The fifth chapter focuses on the regional variations and adaptations of alphabetic writing systems, highlighting the unique characteristics of each system and the ways in which they interacted with local cultures and languages.

Throughout the book, the authors employ a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on a range of theoretical frameworks and methodologies. They employ historical, linguistic, archaeological, and cultural analysis to shed light on the complex relationships between early writing systems and their broader social, cultural, and historical contexts. The use of case studies and comparative analysis further enhances the understanding of these systems and their impact on human civilization.

Understanding Relations Between Scripts II: Early Alphabets is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and students interested in ancient writing, languages, and archaeology. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the early development of alphabetic writing systems and their spread across the Levant and Mediterranean. The book offers insights into the cultural, linguistic, and social factors that shaped these systems and their enduring legacy. By exploring the connections and relationships between different writing systems, this project contributes to our understanding of the evolution of human communication and the rich tapestry of cultural heritage that has been shaped by alphabetic writing.

In conclusion, Contexts of and Relations Between Early Writing Systems (CREWS) is a groundbreaking project that seeks to unravel the complex web of connections and relationships between early writing systems. Through the presentation of diverse studies by ten esteemed experts, this project sheds new light on the multifaceted nature of alphabetic writing, recognizing it not only as a tool for recording language but also as a vital component of cultural heritage. The first volume in this series, Understanding Relations Between Scripts II: Early Alphabets, serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and students interested in ancient writing, languages, and archaeology. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the early development of alphabetic writing systems and their spread across the Levant and Mediterranean. By exploring the connections and relationships between different writing systems, this project contributes to our understanding of the evolution of human communication and the rich tapestry of cultural heritage that has been shaped by alphabetic writing.

\n Weight: 716g\n
Dimension: 177 x 246 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781789250923\n \n