In the sea of written languages that span the world, some are unique in their top-to-bottom reading pattern. The most widely known examples of such languages are Classical Chinese and Classical Japanese.
Table of Contents
The Classical Chinese Language
Classical Chinese, also known as Literary Chinese, dates back to the era of early recorded Chinese history. A large body of classical Chinese literature exists including various philosophical texts, historical documents, and literary works. This language is customarily written and read from top to bottom in columns, moving from right to left across the page. Over time, the prevalence of Classical Chinese has reduced significantly, and it’s now largely relegated to historical and academic context.
The Classical Japanese Language
Like Classical Chinese, Classical Japanese also follows the pattern of being read from top to bottom, with the flow of text moving from the right to left. This mode of writing can be traced back to the adoption of Chinese writing practices in early Japanese history. The tradition continues in certain formal and traditional settings. Classical Japanese finds its presence in historical texts, old literature, and sometimes in calligraphy. However, on a day-to-day basis, modern Japanese writing typically follows horizontal lines, read from left to right, particularly in digital and print media.
Modern Adoption of Vertical Writing
It is essential to note that this vertical top-to-bottom method isn’t exclusive to Asian languages. Contemporary changes and technological advances have encouraged shifts in writing practices, including vertical writing, in modern and digital contexts. Text in a variety of languages including English can be observed following a top-to-bottom direction in certain digital designs or artistic presentations for creative and stylistic purpose.
Remember, the direction of written languages can be an intriguing exploration of cultural exchange, historical developments, and technological influence on writing systems and communication.