Interaction of Semitic and Greek Models in the First Slavic Script System
Interaction of Semitic and Greek Models in the First Slavic Script System

Summary/Abstract: The article discusses the relationship of the first Slavic alphabet – the Glagolitic to the antecedent alphabet tradition of the Greek and Semitic writing systems. It emphasises the innovative approach implemented at the creation of the Slavic model and outlines its main features. The author argues, that the complexity of the Slavic script has a specific relationship to the model of theological interpretation of the alphabet – a tradition, which supplies a range of interpretative formulas and intrinsic relationships, linked to the sophisticated symbolism of the sacred text. The study defends, that the new Slavic alphabet differs from the abovementioned scripts in its greater degree of adequacy to the demands of the Holy Scriptures and their interpretation by taking account of some deficiencies in the Greek script, criticised by Early Christian writers. The argumentation is based on the comparison between the Slavic alphabet (its idiosincracy, paradigmatic and syntagmatic relationships) and the medieval treatise named “The Mystery of the Greek Letters”.

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