How a Nerd Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphs

Core Concepts

Champollion's passion for languages, sparked by encountering Coptic, led him to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs with determination and love for the ancient language.

Abstract

Jean-François Champollion successfully decoded Egyptian hieroglyphs 200 years ago after being captivated by the Coptic language. His intellectual journey into the unknown showcased his dedication and fascination with ancient scripts.

Stats

Vor 200 Jahren gelang dem Sprachfanatiker Jean-François Champollion die Entzifferung der ägyptischen Hieroglyphen. Als Jean-François Champollion sechzehn Jahre alt war, hörte er in Paris eine Messe für koptische Christen. Diese kleine Konfession besaß eine eigene, kryptische Sprache, die nur für die Liturgie verwendet wurde. In der Kirche St. Roch las der Priester die Messe auf Koptisch, was Champollion über alle Maßen faszinierte. Er verkündete, diese fremde Sprache studieren zu wollen, bis er sie "wie seine Muttersprache beherrschte". Es heißt, er habe sich in ihren Wohlklang verliebt. Doch es gibt noch einen weiteren Grund, warum er sich in der Folge mit solchem Einsatz einer fast vergessenen Sprache widmete. Der junge Franzose verfolgte einen kühnen Plan.

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Key Insights Distilled From

Wie ein Nerd die ägyptischen Hieroglyphen entzifferte

by at www.derstandard.de 03-04-2024

https://www.derstandard.de/story/2000139371976/wie-ein-nerd-die-aegyptischen-hieroglyphen-entzifferte

Deeper Inquiries

What other historical figures have made significant contributions to linguistics?

One of the most notable historical figures in linguistics is Ferdinand de Saussure, known for his work in structuralism and semiotics. His ideas laid the foundation for modern linguistic theory, particularly in the study of language structure and meaning. Another key figure is Noam Chomsky, whose theories on universal grammar revolutionized the field of psycholinguistics and cognitive science.

Is there a modern-day equivalent to Champollion's work in deciphering ancient languages?

In modern times, Michael Ventris can be considered a counterpart to Champollion. Ventris famously deciphered Linear B, an ancient script used by the Mycenaean civilization. His breakthrough not only unlocked a wealth of information about this early culture but also showcased the power of interdisciplinary approaches in decoding ancient languages.

How did Champollion's work impact the study of Egyptology?

Champollion's decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs had a profound impact on Egyptology as a discipline. By unlocking the meaning behind these enigmatic symbols, he provided scholars with access to previously inaccessible texts and inscriptions from ancient Egypt. This breakthrough allowed for a deeper understanding of Egyptian history, religion, and culture, fundamentally shaping how we perceive this civilization today. Additionally, Champollion's methodological approach set a standard for future research in deciphering ancient scripts and paved the way for advancements in epigraphy and philology within Egyptology.