Just So Stories · Chapter
How the Alphabet Was Made explained
Taffy and her father Tegumai invent the first alphabet by creating picture-symbols for sounds, starting with a carp-fish mouth for 'ah' and a carp tail for 'yer', then adding symbols for 'oh', 'ssh', and others.
What happens
Taffy and her father Tegumai invent the first alphabet by creating picture-symbols for sounds, starting with a carp-fish mouth for 'ah' and a carp tail for 'yer', then adding symbols for 'oh', 'ssh', and others. They combine these to form words like 'yo' (bad water) and 'shu-ya' (rain), realizing they have discovered a revolutionary way to communicate without speaking.
Themes in this chapter
Communication and Misunderstanding
The chapter focuses on the invention of a written alphabet to avoid past misunderstandings, such as Taffy's earlier picture-letter mistake, and to enable clear communication without spoken words.
Curiosity and Learning
Taffy and Tegumai's playful experimentation with sounds and drawings demonstrates a deep curiosity and a drive to learn, leading to the discovery of the alphabet.
Characters to notice
- Taffimai Metallumai
Taffy, the inventive daughter, initiates the creation of picture-symbols for sounds, leading to the invention of the alphabet.
- Tegumai Bopsulai
Taffy's father, who collaborates with her in developing the alphabet, drawing symbols and combining them to form words.
Key passages
“I believe we've found out the big secret of the world.”
Tegumai realizes that their system of picture-symbols for sounds is a groundbreaking discovery that could change communication forever.
This moment highlights the significance of their invention, marking the birth of written language.
“Shu-ya means rain or 'it is going to rain.'”
Taffy deciphers the combination of symbols for 'sky' and 'water' to mean rain, demonstrating the practical use of their new alphabet.
This shows the immediate application of their invention for conveying weather information.