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Decoding the Secrets of Egyptian Hieroglyphs | Ancient Egyptian Alphabet | Wondrium

Wondrium・2 minutes read

Hieroglyphs are phonetic and represent sounds, not just pictures, with the Egyptian alphabet containing symbols for various sounds like A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T. Each hieroglyph is drawn step by step to convey a specific sound or meaning, with symbols like the vulture for "A" and a semicircle for "T."

Insights

  • Hieroglyphs are phonetic symbols that represent sounds, not just images, allowing for the translation of spoken language into written form.
  • The complexity of hieroglyphs extends beyond mere phonetic representation, encompassing determinatives and ideograms, showcasing a multifaceted system that conveys meaning through a combination of sounds and visual symbols.

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Recent questions

  • How are hieroglyphs used in the Egyptian alphabet?

    Hieroglyphs in the Egyptian alphabet represent sounds phonetically, not just pictures. They can be used as determinatives, ideograms, and for phonetic representation of sounds like A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J. Each hieroglyph is drawn step by step, with symbols for sounds like K, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T. For example, the hieroglyph for "S" resembles a bolt of folded cloth and is drawn in three strokes, while the hieroglyph for "T" is a semicircle representing a loaf of bread.

  • What does the hieroglyph for water sound like?

    The hieroglyph for water, represented by peaks, is pronounced "Mmm" in the Egyptian alphabet. This demonstrates how hieroglyphs can phonetically represent sounds in the language.

  • How is the letter "Y" depicted in hieroglyphs?

    The letter "Y" in hieroglyphs is depicted as a straight line with curves at the top, repeated twice to signify the sound. This showcases the use of visual symbols to represent specific sounds in the Egyptian alphabet.

  • What does the hieroglyph for the "SH" sound symbolize?

    The "SH" sound in hieroglyphs is symbolized by a rectangle denoting a pool of water. This visual representation helps convey the phonetic sound associated with the symbol in the Egyptian alphabet.

  • How is the sound "sh" represented in hieroglyphs?

    The sound "sh" in hieroglyphs is represented by a tethering ring with two loops, demonstrated for a donkey. This showcases the use of visual symbols to convey specific sounds in the Egyptian alphabet, emphasizing the phonetic nature of hieroglyphs.

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Summary

00:00

Decoding Egyptian Hieroglyphs: Sounds and Symbols

  • Hieroglyphs are phonetic and represent sounds, not just pictures.
  • The sentence "The sun is shining in the sky" is translated from hieroglyphs.
  • Hieroglyphs can be used phonetically, as determinatives, and as ideograms.
  • The Egyptian alphabet includes hieroglyphs for sounds like A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J.
  • Each hieroglyph is drawn step by step, like the vulture for the sound "A."
  • The alphabet lacks letters like L, O, V, X, but includes symbols for sounds like K, M, N, P, Q.
  • The hieroglyph for water, represented by peaks, is pronounced "Mmm."
  • The alphabet includes symbols for sounds like R, S, T.
  • The hieroglyph for "S" resembles a bolt of folded cloth and is drawn in three strokes.
  • The hieroglyph for "T" is a semicircle representing a loaf of bread.

21:36

Alphabet lesson: T to Z and SH

  • The alphabet lesson begins with the letter T, followed by the U represented by a quail chick, emphasizing the use of straight lines for drawing.
  • The letter Y is depicted as a straight line with curves at the top, repeated twice to signify the sound, while Z is illustrated as a simple line.
  • The SH sound is symbolized by a rectangle denoting a pool of water, and the sound "sh" is represented by a tethering ring with two loops, demonstrated for a donkey.
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