• The ancient Egyptian language was written in four scripts :Hieroglyphic,Hieratic, Demotic and Coptic. These scripts did not appear at the same time but developed throughout the centuries.
Hieroglyphic Script
- The word “Hieroglyphic” was derived from the Greek words ‘hieros’ and ‘glophos’ which mean ‘sacred writing. The sacredness of the Hieroglyphic script comes from the fact that it was inscribed on the walls of sacred places such as temples and tombs.
Hieratic Script
- “Hieratic” was derived from the Greek ‘hieratikos’ which means clerical.
- The Hieratic script is a simplified (or abbreviated) form of the Hieroglyphic script. Ancient Egyptians arrived at these scripts for several reasons.
- Hieroglyphic script is characterized by its complete sign system.
- Was written using ink and pens.
Demotic Script
- The name of this script is derived from the Greek word ‘demos and its relative adjective ‘demotikos’ which means ‘popular’.
- The Demotic script Emerged in the 8th century BC and continued to be used until the 5thCentury AD.
- It was Written on papyrus and ostraca
Coptic script
- The Coptic script is the final phase of development of the ancient Egyptian language. The word ‘Coptic’ is derived from the Greek ‘Aigyptos’ which means ‘Egyptian’.
- It was the first ancient Egyptian script in which vowels were used.
- To which were added seven Demotic signs that Had no phonetic equivalent in Greek.