Syllabary

A Syllabary is a writing system that uses symbols for syllables called syllabograms, as opposed to an alphabet which has letters to represent individual consonants and vowels. These syllables are often an optional consonant sound (C) followed by a vowel sound (V) — that is, a CV or V syllable, however, there are examples of syllabaries with symbols for CVC, CV- tone, and C (normally nasal consonants) syllables.

A syllabary letter often begins as a simpler version of a logogram; shown here with the Japanese katakana writing system. The left side of each box shows the modern Japanese letter and the right side shows the original Chinese logogram.

History

Short list of Syllabaries

• Canadian Aboriginal syllabics
• Cherokee
• Japanese Kana (Hiragana, Katakana)
• Linear B
• Old Persian Cuneiform