Written language is a very different element from spoken language, because unlike our speech, if we do not use certain punctuation marks in writing, we cannot convey what we say or will say as we want. In this article, which you will read in one breath, the most curved punctuation mark is the question mark “?” We will talk about the symbol and where it came from.
Communication is perhaps the most important trait humans have. Learning about each other’s thoughts, chatting, talking and discussing is truly a morale booster. Of course, communication is very important not only verbally but also in writing. in written communication The most important feature that a person should have punctuation mark information because without punctuation, we can never give the message we want to others.
Every language has punctuation marks that are used differently, but some are universal and are used for the same purpose in every language. In this article, we also use these punctuation marks. question mark “?” we will consider. We use to qualify that our sentences express a question. question mark Have you ever wondered where the symbol came from? There are 3 known theories so far, let’s explain.
Urban legend: The question mark symbol comes from cats and Ancient Egypt
This theory, which is an urban legend that has been known since ancient times, is included in the literature as the third theory, although it is the least accurate. According to some stories, the question mark symbol is Ancient Egypt It was a device produced and used to mark unknown places on maps during the period. The shape of this device of cats They were inspired by the way they tucked their tails while they were curious.
The proponents of this theory also exclamation point They also say that it was inspired by the fact that cats make their tails straight like a stick when they are nervous. So, after all, the question mark symbol is a cat, a cat worshiped by the citizens of Ancient Egypt. Sphinx It comes from her cat.
At present, however, this theory is almost completely unsound, as punctuation marks were not used in the written language of Ancient Egypt, and it was not until the 19th century that the first recorded use of punctuation marks. Therefore, we can say that this theory not true but it’s fun. Let’s take a look at other theories.
Romans!: The question mark symbol derives from the Latin word ‘qvaestio’
The foundations of our first more realistic theory were also to Rome is based. According to this theory, the question mark symbol is Latin. ‘qvaestio’ derives from the word and this word also ‘question’ means. This word was coined by teachers in the Middle Ages. ‘q’ abbreviated as. Shorten like this ‘he is’ letter, ‘q’ passed under the letter and evolved into today’s ‘?’ symbol appeared.
However, we can say that there is almost no real evidence that this is the case, because so far nothing has happened. Middle Ages No based script could be found. However, if we look at the way of going, our score for the theory is 7/10 because it makes sense.
Romans again!: But this time the British Alcuin is at the center of the event.
The story most accepted by linguists is the story of Alcuin of York. Alcuin was an 8th-century English scholar and had received an invitation from Cherlamange himself to attend his court. Alcuin accepted this offer without hesitation and went to France. While in France, Alcuin wrote numerous poems and books.
During this time when Alcuin was writing poetry and books, the need for punctuation in written texts had become even more evident, as books were now read not only aloud by priests to the public, but also on their own. It became very difficult for the priests to understand what they were reading without knowing where to pause and where the question was being stressed.
In order to find a solution to this problem, Alcuin uses the ‘ ‘ ‘, which is brought to the end of a sentence and determines the emphasis of the sentence.punctus interrogativusHe created the ‘ symbol. The symbol itself is ancient Rome It was a wave sign located above one of the dots. This embellishment on the dot (i.e. the present-day question mark) punctuated the punctuation marks of academics in Paris. standardize caused it.
For use only in interrogative sentences, Alcuin’s ‘punctus interrogativusThey chose the ‘ symbol. The printing press appeared in the 17th century and question mark The symbol began to be used as a universal symbol in all Western countries. Arab world with a question mark when they met for the first time, they reversed the direction of the question mark horizontally because they wrote from right to left. If the Spaniards by reversing They started using it at the beginning of their sentences.
Bonus info: Why is the question mark used in reverse in Spanish?
Because in Spanish, you can turn that sentence into a normal, exclamation or question sentence with just punctuation without changing the words in a sentence. This allows you to emphasize better in written situations. For example:
- Este es mi perro. (This is my dog.) (Normal)
- ¡Este es mi perro! (This is my dog!) (Angry)
- ¿Este es mi perro? (is this my dog?) (Confused-Question)
In order to indicate such situations in Turkish, we need to add an explanation to the sentence. For example:
- Buck, ‘this is my dog‘ said.
- Buck, ‘This is my dog!‘ she got angry.
- Buck, ‘is this my dog?‘ he asked.
Of course, these situations may not be the scenarios that work exactly, and they may vary from sentence to sentence. But in Spanish inverted question mark And that’s why the exclamation point is used. Thus, question mark “?” where does the symbol come from We have come to the end of our content on the subject. Please do not forget to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below. Also on our official Telegram channel from here You can subscribe.