Volkswagen Foundation funds expedition to decipher ancient writings

Volkswagen Foundation funds expedition to decipher ancient writings

A newly started research project at the University of Cologne has the goal of deciphering a previously unknown Central American writing system. This project is being funded by the Volkswagen Foundation with almost one million euros over the next three years. The project was led by Dr. Svenja Bonmann from the Institute of Linguistics, who and her team are investigating how the Isthmus script, dated between 400 BC. BC and 600 AD can be deciphered.

The Isthmus script is one of the oldest known writing systems in Central America. Their decipherment has so far been impossible, fueling debate about the likelihood of a successful reconstruction. The researchers focus on the Mixe-Zoque, Otomangue and Huastec languages. The hypothesis is that an earlier version of one of these language groups may have been expressed in the Isthmus script.

Research methodology and challenges

The method of historical-comparative linguistics is used to carry out the research. This enables a phonological and morphological analysis of the three selected languages. The aim of the project is to compare reconstructed linguistic material with the characters of the Isthmus script. However, researchers have to deal with a major challenge: the small number of inscriptions in this system and the lack of bilingual inscriptions make deciphering them extremely risky.

Another problem is the fact that to date there is no historical comparative linguistic work on these language groups that is replicable, objective and falsifiable. The project was launched as a pioneering project as part of the Volkswagen Foundation's “Pioneering Projects – Explorations of the Unknown Unknown” initiative, which promotes high-risk exploratory research projects with significant scientific breakthrough potential.

The context of indigenous languages

The importance of research into indigenous languages ​​is also relevant in light of general linguistic developments. Loud Wikipedia Indigenous American languages ​​show a high level of diversity, both in terms of the languages ​​spoken and their classification. Many of these languages ​​are vocal and unwritten, making them much more difficult to record and research. The oldest written evidence comes from the Olmecs (around 900 BC).

With technologies that can advance the analysis of indigenous languages, the University of Cologne project could make a decisive contribution to documenting and understanding linguistic and cultural diversity in the Americas. Historical traces and linguistic relics contribute to the reconstruction of the history and significance of these languages ​​in society.

The project is a step towards revitalizing and preserving the rich linguistic traditions that were threatened by the influence of European languages ​​and cultures during the colonial period. Scientific advances in linguistics could help to enable clarification of the relationships between modern and historical languages.

Current research therefore aims not only to decipher an ancient script, but also to preserve and appreciate the indigenous languages ​​of America, which represent key elements of the cultural identity of these communities.