How to Learn Egyptian Hieroglyphics
Ancient Egyptian is classified as a now extinct Afro-Asiatic language, which went through major developments over time and eventually turned into the Coptic language around 200 AD. Though the language was lost for a time, gradually it was reconstructed and rediscovered. The exact pronunciation may not be precisely known, but this does not deter people from being able to read Egyptian hieroglyphs today.
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Things You'll Need
- Access to index of hieroglyphs
- Access to ancient Egyptian grammar rules
- Note cards
- Pencil
Instructions
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Learn the different types of hieroglyphs. While one type represented whole words, several kinds of hieroglyphs exist that represent sounds. These types include unilateral, bilateral and trilateral hieroglyphs.These glyphs represent one, two and three sounds respectively. Another type of hieroglyph is a type that had no sound and only served as a picture. Mathematical hieroglyphs existed as well.
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Learn the reading order of hieroglyphs. Whichever way the glyphs faces indicates the direction in which to begin reading. If a hieroglyph faces left, then start at the left; if a hieroglyph faces right, then start at the right. This holds true for vertical columns as well as horizontal rows. Learn how hieroglyphs are grouped together to be read. When one hieroglyph appears to be "set" above another, so that it appears to be two layers of hieroglyphs within a line of text, read the top glyph first and then the one underneath it. Then proceed with the rest of the text.
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Memorize the reconstructed pronunciation of the hieroglyphs. Practice thinking of the way each hieroglyph is thought to be pronounced. Draw the hieroglyph, thinking of how it sounds, and as you draw say the reconstructed word aloud several times. Learn the grammar of the Egyptian era with the hieroglyphs you want to learn. Middle Egyptian is a good choice, as it was considered "classical" by later Egyptians.
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Memorize several hieroglyphs every day. Around 2,000 hieroglyphs exist. Write hieroglyphs for various items down on note cards. Place the note cards at strategic places, such as on the item that the word represents or on the bathroom mirror.
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Study the culture of Egypt during the era whose language you are studying, including popular gods, fashions, and superstitions. This helps build context for translations.
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Practice reading hieroglyphs by looking up pictures of texts and translating them.
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Tips & Warnings
Watch movies and documentaries that discuss Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Find friends who want to learn Egyptian hieroglyphs to increase mental stimulation and fun.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
