Shropshire Routes to Roots

1. The origins of writing

Introduction

This theme gives an introduction to the technology of writing. It shows how written communication developed from verbal communication, and explains the reasons for such a development. It also considers how the available implements and writing mediums have dictated the way in which the written word has been communicated.

Early steps

We now think nothing of writing a letter, reading a newspaper or book, sending an Email or even a telephone 'text'. These are just a few of the written forms of communication, but where did they originate? At what point in human history did one person try to communicate to another by the means of word or pictures?

One can surmise that early human hunters gathered around a fire and discussed their kills, where the best herds could be found and what dangers to look out for. From these conversations, it was probably only a short step to one hunter picking up a stick and drawing in the sand the river, the trees beyond, and the buffalo snorting on the other side.

Cave paintings show that the art of communication was well established. Highly sophisticated drawings of both men and animals depicting hunting scenes were created using plant dyes and sticks. The Lascaux cave paintings in France are a prime example of cave paintings, and you can visit the website to discover this type of art work: The cave of Lascaux (Opens in a new window).

Leaving a record

Although cave drawings have been given some religious significance, it is far more like that we are seeing the first attempts at leaving a record for future generations.

Whilst many ancient cultures have a strong tradition of oral story telling, there were always two fundamental problems: the human mind has memory lapses and it has a tendency to embroider the subject. Something that can be seen by everyone, generation after generation and without change, is far more likely to be a true representation.

Another reason for leaving a record of one's achievements is to boast to future generations. This aspect had a great effect on the way in which the written word was portrayed.

Continue

Return to top of page