Linearity (writing)
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Linearity is a characteristic of writing systems whose symbols are made up of lines. Linear writing is writing in which symbols are composed of lines, such as the Latin alphabet and Chinese characters. Non-linear writing is writing in which symbols are not composed of lines, such as braille.
The earliest examples of writing are linear: the Sumerian script of about 3300 BCE was linear, though its descendants such as cuneiform were not.
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[edit] Non-linear scripts
Cuneiform is probably the earliest non-linear writing. Its symbols are different-shaped impressions, formed by pressing the sharpened end of a reed stylus into moist clay, not scratching lines in the clay as had been done previously.
Egyptian hieroglyphs and Maya glyphs were often painted in linear outline form, but in formal situations they were painted or carved as non-linear images.
[edit] Non-linear adaptations of the Latin alphabet
There are several non-linear adaptations of the Latin alphabet. Braille letters are composed of raised bumps on the writing substrate, which can be leather (Louis Braille's original material), stiff paper, plastic, or metal.
There are also transient non-linear adaptations of the Latin alphabet, including:
- Morse code
- The manual alphabets of the various sign languages
- Semaphore, which may use either flags or mechanical bars or shutters held at prescribed angles
If "writing" is defined as a permanent means of recording information, then these systems do not qualify as writing at all, since the symbols disappear as soon as they are used.
