What is human-made Tangut Script?
The Tangut Script: A Masterpiece of Linguistic Innovation
The Tangut script, a human-made writing system, is one of the most intriguing creations in the history of language. It was developed in 1036 CE during the Western Xia Dynasty (1038–1227), founded by the Tangut people in northwestern China. This script was commissioned by Emperor Jingzong to create a unique written language for the Tangut people, distinguishing their culture from neighboring powers like the Chinese and the Khitan. Let’s take a closer look.
Tangut Script (Xi-Xia Script):
- Created By: Yeli Renrong, under Emperor Jingzong (Li Yuanhao).
- Date: 1036 AD.
- Details:
- Commissioned by Emperor Jingzong of the Tangut-led Western Xia dynasty to establish a unique cultural identity.
- The script contained over 5,000 characters and was used for administrative and literary purposes.
- It was inspired by Chinese script but was unique in structure and form.
- Attestation: Surviving documents, steles, and translations of Buddhist texts in Tangut characters.
- Complexity: Tangut characters are square-shaped and visually resemble Chinese characters but often have more strokes, making them even more intricate.
- Phonetics and Meaning: Similar to Chinese, Tangut characters combined phonetic and semantic elements, with radicals indicating the character’s meaning or pronunciation.
- Innovative Features: The script introduced new strokes and patterns not seen in Chinese, showcasing the creativity of its designers.
- Education and Literature: Schools and printing houses flourished, producing dictionaries, poetry, and legal texts in Tangut script for younger generations.
Decline and Rediscovery:
After the fall of the Western Xia Dynasty to the Mongols in 1227, the Tangut script gradually disappeared. Unfortunately the Tangut people were assimilated into other cultures, and their unique language and writing system faded from use.
Interestingly, the script remained a mystery for centuries until rediscovered by scholars in the early 20th century. Excavations at sites like Khara-Khoto, an ancient Tangut city, unearthed thousands of manuscripts, inscriptions, and printed texts in Tangut script.
These findings spurred interest in deciphering the script, a task that took decades due to its complexity. An arduous task but well worth it.
Modern Relevance:
Today, the Tangut script is studied by linguists and historians as a testament to human ingenuity. It provides insights into the culture, religion, and administration of the Western Xia Dynasty. Today the Tangut manuscripts are preserved in collections worldwide, including the British Library and the National Library of China.
Also, Digital tools and projects now aim to preserve and digitize the script, ensuring its legacy endures.
In conclusion:
The Tangut script is a testament to the enduring power of language to define and preserve a culture, even long after its people have vanished from history.
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