# How the Alphabet Was Made explained — Just So Stories

> Chapter companion for Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/just_so_stories_se/chapters/how-the-alphabet-was-made
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/just_so_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/just_so_stories_se/chapters