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The modern western alphabet is largely derived entirely from hieroglyphs, but with a very long and complex development over time. It is often extremely difficult to trace the connection.

Two reasonably clear links are the letters N and M. In hieroglyphs the sound n could be expressed with a short, horizontal zig-zag line indicating water - this evolved into the modern N which is simply a part of that zig-zag. The sound m in hieroglyphs could be expressed by the picture of an owl with its head turned towards the viewer - the top of the owl's head is shaped like the modern letter M because it is an owl with "ears", showing its ancient origin.

In general terms, hieroglyphs are a far more complex and sophisticated writing system than any modern alphabet.

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13y ago

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