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The Coptic alphabet is the script used to write Coptic, the most recent stage of the Egyptian language, and the first alphabetic script the Egyptian language ever used. Its glyphs are based on the uncial Greek alphabet, augmented by letters borrowed from Demotic Egyptian for sounds Greek did not have. Its development traces to the Ptolemaic Kingdom, when the Greek alphabet was already being used to transcribe Demotic texts, and it remains in use in Coptic Christian liturgy.
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Directionality In Use Since (Year)Developed in the second century AD, continuing the Ptolemaic-era practice of transcribing Demotic Egyptian with Greek letters. Cross-Tradition Connections
Descends From
Influenced By
By way of Demotic Egyptian, the latest cursive stage of hieroglyphic writing, whose signs supplement the borrowed Greek letters for sounds Greek did not have.
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