How to write Phags-pa?

The ‘Phags-pa script is unique amongst Brahmic scripts, in that it is written in vertical columns, from top to bottom, laid out left to right across the writing surface. This follows the format of the Uighur-derived Mongolian script that Kublai Khan intended the new script to replace.

What language did Phags-pa script not cover?

The Phags-pa script did not prove popular with Mongolian and Chinese officials, who used the new script only to a limited extent and reluctantly. The many edicts prohibiting use of the older Mongolian script had little effect. Usage of the script among private individuals was even more limited.

What languages was Phags-pa script used to write?

It was used to write and transcribe varieties of Chinese, the Tibetic languages, Mongolian, the Uyghur language, Sanskrit, Persian, and other neighboring languages during the Yuan era.

What is Square script?

Filters. A script type used for Aramaic and Hebrew among other languages, derived from the ancient Aramaic alphabet , as opposed to types that are closer to the Phoenician alphabet . noun.

What was the Phags pa script used for?

The Phags-pa script is a Brahmic script based on Tibetan that was used for writing Mongolian, Chinese and other languages during the Mongolian Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). Although it is no longer used for Mongolian and Chinese, it is still used to a limited extent as a decorative script for writing Tibetan.

What was the original name of the Phags-pa alphabet?

The script was originally called “Mongolian new letters” – 蒙古新字 (měnggǔ xīnzì) in Chinese, a name still used in Tibetan. However the script is now known as dörbelǰin üsüg , square script, in Mongolian and as 八思巴字 (bāsībā zì), Phags-pa letters, in Chinese.

How is Phagspa written like a syllabary?

Although it is an alphabet, phagspa is written like a syllabary or abugida, with letters forming a single syllable glued or ‘ ligated ‘ together. The ʼPhags-pa script, with consonants arranged according to Chinese phonology. At the far left are vowels and medial consonants. Top: Approximate values in Middle Chinese.

Is the Phags-pa alphabet still used in China?

The most recent example of Phags-pa writing in Mongolian dates from 1352, though there are some later examples in Chinese. However the script is still used occasionally in Tibetan for decorative purposes on seals and temple inscriptions. It is also used to write some business names in Mongolia.