Sematograms in linear scripts, between iconicity and phoneticity. Theory and definitions · The widespread occurrence of sematograms in the Cretan Linear scripts is of utmost relevance for the study of the writing systems of the ancient Mediterranean and the overall history of writing. In fact, Linear A and Linear B are non-sematographic writing systems, but they are clearly phonographic, syllabic type systems ; in this context, the sematographic resource develops flourishingly, as an auxiliary system in accounting texts, within which it is included for the purpose of “short writing”, aimed at simplifying the process of recording vast amounts of information ; such information was related to well-defined economic and legal relationships among the citizens of the ancient, Minoan and Mycenaean, palatial society. This special feature of Linear A and B is oftentimes underestimated by those who are not deeply acquainted with such writing systems ; nevertheless, it is a peculiar aspect of great theoretical significance, even more so in light of the further characteristics observed in the adaptation process from the Minoan system to the Mycenaean one. Focusing on A and B sets of sematograms, considered separately, it is worth pointing out that the classification procedures necessarily stem from a preliminary analysis of the graphic expression plan, which, in turn, requires a primary bipartition between the level of iconic and phonographic operativity. In a few, rare instances, the two levels overlap, thus enabling us to shed major light on the origin of the syllabic (Minoan) writing system, clearly of an acrophonic nature. Some particularly meaningful case studies will be showcased and some important issues concerning the usefulness of the sematographic repertoire of Linear A and B will be touched upon ; particular emphasis will be placed on the hermeneutics of the texts, both prior to (e.g. in terms of document classification, i.e. topic identification), and after the decipherment of Linear B.
Sematogrammi nelle scritture lineari, fra iconismo e fonetismo. Aspetti teorici e definitòri
Giulio M. Facchetti
2021-01-01
Abstract
Sematograms in linear scripts, between iconicity and phoneticity. Theory and definitions · The widespread occurrence of sematograms in the Cretan Linear scripts is of utmost relevance for the study of the writing systems of the ancient Mediterranean and the overall history of writing. In fact, Linear A and Linear B are non-sematographic writing systems, but they are clearly phonographic, syllabic type systems ; in this context, the sematographic resource develops flourishingly, as an auxiliary system in accounting texts, within which it is included for the purpose of “short writing”, aimed at simplifying the process of recording vast amounts of information ; such information was related to well-defined economic and legal relationships among the citizens of the ancient, Minoan and Mycenaean, palatial society. This special feature of Linear A and B is oftentimes underestimated by those who are not deeply acquainted with such writing systems ; nevertheless, it is a peculiar aspect of great theoretical significance, even more so in light of the further characteristics observed in the adaptation process from the Minoan system to the Mycenaean one. Focusing on A and B sets of sematograms, considered separately, it is worth pointing out that the classification procedures necessarily stem from a preliminary analysis of the graphic expression plan, which, in turn, requires a primary bipartition between the level of iconic and phonographic operativity. In a few, rare instances, the two levels overlap, thus enabling us to shed major light on the origin of the syllabic (Minoan) writing system, clearly of an acrophonic nature. Some particularly meaningful case studies will be showcased and some important issues concerning the usefulness of the sematographic repertoire of Linear A and B will be touched upon ; particular emphasis will be placed on the hermeneutics of the texts, both prior to (e.g. in terms of document classification, i.e. topic identification), and after the decipherment of Linear B.
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