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Why Q needs U and how hieroglyphics created our alphabet, with Danny Bate
Episode 1125

Why Q needs U and how hieroglyphics created our alphabet, with Danny Bate

1125. This week, we talk with linguist and author Danny Bate about his book, "Why Q Needs U." We look at the ancient origins of our alphabet, tracing its conceptual leap from Egyptian hieroglyphs to symbols that represent sounds. Danny explains the "acrophonic principle" (one sound from a picture) and why the letter A was originally a consonant, not a vowel.

Grammar Girl: For Writers and Language Lovers. · Mignon Fogarty, Inc.

October 16, 202537m 49s

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Show Notes

1125. This week, we talk with linguist and author Danny Bate about his book, "Why Q Needs U." We look at the ancient origins of our alphabet, tracing its conceptual leap from Egyptian hieroglyphs to symbols that represent sounds. Danny explains the "acrophonic principle" (one sound from a picture) and why the letter A was originally a consonant, not a vowel. 

Find Danny Bate on his website, Bluesky or on X. 

Get the book, "Why Q Needs U."

Listen to Danny's podcast, "A Language I Love Is..."

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