Phonics International

Writing direction index

This is an index of the all the writing systems on this site arranged by the direction in which they are written. Some writing systems can be written in a number of different directions, others were originally written in various directions but eventually settled on one direction.

Why some writing systems are written in one direction, and others in other directions is a bit of a mystery. It might have something to do with the writing surfaces and implements originally used, fashion, the handedness of the creators of the writing systems, or other factors.

If you have any information or theories about this, please contact me.

Directions

Left to right, horizontal
Right to left, horizontal
Left to right, vertical, top to bottom
Right to left, vertical, top to bottom
Left to right, vertical, bottom to top
Right to left, vertical, bottom to top
Boustrophedon
Variable