CYRILLIC SCRIPT Meaning and
Definition
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Cyrillic script refers to a writing system primarily used for writing several Slavic and non-Slavic languages, with its origin attributed to the Greek alphabet. It is named after the Byzantine Greek scholar and Christian missionary Cyril, who alongside his brother Methodius, invented the Glagolitic alphabet. The Cyrillic script was later formalized and modified by disciples of Cyril and Methodius, resulting in what is recognized as the Cyrillic alphabet today.
The Cyrillic script is notable for its distinctive characters, which are derived from the Greek alphabet and adapted to represent the specific sounds of Slavic languages, as well as various non-Slavic languages historically influenced by the Slavic-speaking peoples. The script consists of both consonants and vowels, with a total of 33 or 35 letters, depending on the language.
The Cyrillic script has served as the writing system for languages such as Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and many others. It has played a crucial role in the development and preservation of cultural and national identities for these regions and their respective languages.
In addition to its usage for Slavic languages, the Cyrillic script has also been adopted and adapted by several non-Slavic languages of the former Soviet Union, including Tajik, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, and Kazakh, among others.
Overall, the Cyrillic script is an important tool for written communication, supporting various languages and playing a significant role in the cultural heritage of numerous countries.
Etymology of CYRILLIC SCRIPT
The word "Cyrillic" is derived from the name of Saint Cyril, also known as Constantine the Philosopher, who, along with his brother Saint Methodius, created the Glagolitic alphabet in the 9th century. The Glagolitic alphabet was later modified and refined into the Cyrillic script. The development of this script was commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Michael III and the brothers primarily aimed to translate religious texts into the Old Church Slavonic language. Hence, the term "Cyrillic script" came to refer to the writing system associated with the work of Saint Cyril.
