Logography (lɒˈɡɒɡrəfi) is a writing system that utilizes symbols to represent whole words or significant morphemes instead of phonemes. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically as "loh-goh-gruh-fee," with the stress on the second syllable. The "o" in "logography" is pronounced with an "aw" sound, the "g" is a hard "g" sound, and the "y" is pronounced as a short "i." The final "aphy" is pronounced with a long "ee" sound.
Logography refers to a system of writing in which symbols or logograms represent entire words, phrases, or concepts, rather than individual sounds or syllables. This writing system is primarily used in logographic languages, where words are represented by specific symbols or characters. Logography contrasts with other writing systems, such as alphabetic or syllabic scripts, which rely on the use of individual characters to represent sounds.
In logographic writing, each symbol or logogram directly corresponds to a specific word or idea, allowing for the efficient communication of complex concepts in a compact form. This method of representation is often utilized in languages with large vocabularies or where each word has a distinct meaning that is not easily conveyed through an alphabetic script. Chinese, Japanese, and Egyptian hieroglyphs are notable examples of logographic writing systems.
Logography has been widely used throughout history in various civilizations, aiding in the development of written communication and facilitating the preservation of cultural and historical records. In modern times, logographic writing systems often coexist with other writing systems, incorporating elements of alphabets or syllabaries to accommodate the phonetic aspects of the language. Overall, logography provides a visual means of representing language, offering a clear and concise method of conveying meaning through specialized symbols or logograms.
A method of printing in which a type represents a word instead of a letter.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word logography is derived from two Greek roots: logo meaning word or speech, and graphia meaning writing or representation.