h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello Gnomon

Next Thursday morning (9am UK time) - the 18th Dec - Melvyn Bragg's BBC Radio 4 programme *In Our Time* is all about the origins of the alphabet.

This looks a really good basis for an entry... and interesting to boot, especially for all of the word-smiths in h2g2.

Where does the Aramaic (sp?) alphabet come into it all? Wasn't it the alphabet used to write the earliest versions of the bible and around 6 or 8 centuries or more BC? Was it a branch of the Semitic form? I'm dredging down into the recesses of my brain here - as you can probably tell - but I'm pretty sure I am being accurate...

Oh boy, it's not even in PR or WW and the questions are starting


F/b

One of the problems with commenting on an entry that's not finished yet is that the author may not be subscribed to the entry. As a result, I've only just noticed your comment.

The Aramaic alphabet which became the Hebrew alphabet, is a separate offshoot of Phoenician from the Greek and Arabic alphabets.

Yes, it will be a good entry when it is finished. But I want to make sure it is reasonably accurate before it goes near Peer Review.

Hello!

I've been in a huff (hough?) for nearly 2 months because you hadn't replied to my very early comments on this one

Glad you found me!

Accuracy? Peer Review?? Come on - half the people who submit stuff don't know what 'accurate' means.

*wanders off muttering like a grumpy vegetable because people persist in not reading the guidelines...* Not you of course Gnomon

F/b

Oh, thank you for clarifying the Aramaic thing...