SPEECH SCROLL Meaning and
Definition
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A speech scroll is a decorative element used in visual art and design that depicts a ribbon or scroll-like shape with text inside it to indicate speech or dialogue. It is often seen in various forms of visual storytelling, including ancient illustrations, manuscripts, paintings, and comics. The purpose of a speech scroll is to visually represent speech or thoughts of specific characters in a narrative sequence.
In visual art, a speech scroll typically appears as a long, curving or spiraling ribbon-like shape. The text is usually written within the scroll, indicating the words spoken by the depicted characters. The speech or dialogue enclosed within the scroll can be attributed to a single character or multiple characters engaged in a conversation within the visual story.
The speech scroll has its origins in ancient civilizations such as Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece. It served as a visual aid to clarify the depicted dialogue or narrative in a visual art form where speech could not be directly represented. Over time, speech scrolls became a widely recognizable narrative device, evolving and adapting to different artistic styles and cultures.
In contemporary usage, speech scrolls can also be found in modern popular culture, such as comic books, graphic novels, and animations. They continue to be a powerful tool for conveying a character's thoughts or words in a visually engaging and easily understandable manner.
Etymology of SPEECH SCROLL
The word "speech scroll" originates from two separate terms: "speech" and "scroll".
The term "speech" has its origin in Old English as "spæc", and later transitioned into Middle English as "speche". It can be traced back to the Germanic language group, specifically the Proto-Germanic word "sprēkijan", meaning "to speak". This word is also related to other Germanic languages such as Old Norse "spraki" and Old High German "sprāhha". Over the centuries, "speech" has retained its meaning of communication through spoken words.
On the other hand, "scroll" is derived from Late Latin "scrollus", meaning "roll" or "scroll". It originated from the Greek word "skorlīthos", which also referred to a roll of parchment or papyrus.
