Final answer:
Option d) is correct option. Logograms are written characters representing words or phrases, such as Chinese characters and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Unlike alphabetic systems, logographic systems require memorizing many symbols, making literacy more exclusive. Logograms are central to preserving and communicating cultural ideas and values.
Step-by-step explanation:
Logograms, or ideograms, are a type of written character that represents a word or phrase. An example of logograms can be found in Chinese characters like the symbol 例 (‘example’). These symbols are not letters that represent individual sounds, but rather whole words or concepts. This type of writing system is in contrast to alphabetic systems, like English, that utilize letters to create words from individual sounds.
A rich history of logographic writing can be seen in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, where hieroglyphs were used. Hieroglyphs combined logographic and alphabetic elements to represent sounds and concepts within their writing system.
It is important to note that literacy in logographic systems such as those used in ancient China required memorizing thousands of characters, which often meant that literacy was limited to the elite. This is substantially different from alphabetic systems where fewer symbols are needed to be learned to achieve literacy. Similarly, the Maya hieroglyphic writing also used logograms, which conveyed syllables or words.
These forms of writing were essential in preserving the cultural norms, ideas, and values of their respective societies.
Language and symbols serve as the basis for communication across cultures, allowing for the expression of ideas. Logographic writing is one of the various systems that demonstrate the diverse methods human societies have developed to convey meaning through written forms.