The History of English Podcast Bonus Episode 2: History of the Alphabet
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Feb 24, 2013 The podcast explores the history of the alphabet, specifically focusing on the constant consonants. It discusses the interconnectedness of letters and includes an excerpt from the audiobook. The evolution of letters B, L, M, and N are explored, highlighting their origins, influences, and symbolism.
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Constant Consonants' Consistency
- The letters B, D, L, M, N, P, R, and T have remained remarkably consistent in sound and order since the Phoenician alphabet.
- Despite changes in shape and name, they still reflect the original alphabet's structure from over 3000 years ago.
Origin and Shape of B
- The letter B originated as a drawing of a house named Beth, illustrating the Semitic practice of naming letters after objects.
- Writing direction changes shifted its orientation from left-facing to the modern right-facing shape we know today.
The Door Symbol D
- The letter D comes from the Semitic word dalith meaning door and was depicted as a triangular shape.
- Greek and later alphabets evolved the shape into the classic delta symbol used in many contexts today.