Bywater, ME; (2013) The impact of writing: ancient and modern views on the role of early writing systems within society and as a part of 'civilisation'. Masters thesis , UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Writing is essential to the way in which we live today, our society would simply not exist without it. Because of this there is often a danger of unconsciously projecting the importance we put on writing onto ancient societies. The aim of my research project is to uncover the way in which the invention of writing was received and originally affected the people living in the regions where it was being used, and how this view fits in with the modern interpretations that have been put forward on the impact of writing and literacy. In my study I will be using Egypt and Sumer as case studies, as they were the first regions to invent writing. This is important as it means their societies had not been exposed to writing beforehand, so their reaction was not affected by a preconceived idea of the function of writing. I will begin by looking at the modern views on the role of writing, espoused by scholars from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. These modern views often link writing to the idea of ‘civilisation’, believing that without it a society cannot be called civilised. The modern views will be contrasted with the ancient views of early writing, both from the perspective of society as a whole, and on a more personal level. By doing so I hope to highlight where modern views of early writing diverge significantly from ancient views, allowing us to reconsider arguments and place them within their proper context.

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