| Type | |
| Languages | |
| Popularity | Widely used |
| Time period | Ancient times to present day |
| Main features | Elegance • Clarity • Adaptability |
| Place of origin | |
| Region or state |
Hangul is a distinctive phonetic alphabet found primarily in the parallel universe of Hydrana. Unlike the Hangul used in our timeline, which was developed in the 15th century as an indigenous Korean script, this alternate Hangul was conceived during the 11th century Koryo Dynasty. It stands out as one of the most elegant, adaptable, and universal scripts of the multilingual cultures of Hydrana.
The origins of Hangul can be traced back to the 11th century when the scholars of the Koryo Dynasty banded together to create an intuitive and versatile writing system. Recognizing the limitations of existing scripts such as Hanja, the scholars sought to construct a script that would transcend language barriers and promote uniformity in written communication.
When designing the Hangul script, the scholars drew inspiration from various script systems such as Korean, Chinese, and Sanskrit. This eclectic fusion of elements culminated in a unique system that incorporated the strengths of each language. For instance, the script adopted the pictographic nature of Chinese characters, the phonetic foundation from Korean, and the sophistication of Sanskrit to create a comprehensive and expressive writing system.
With its broad range of influences and characteristics, the scholars behind Hangul intended it to serve as a universal script. They envisioned that, with its clarity and adaptability, Hangul could be used not only for Korean but also for Chinese and potentially other languages across the diverse world of Hydrana. This aspiration would guide the development and spread of Hangul in subsequent centuries.
The early popularity of Hangul was fueled by widespread support from scholars, as well as political and social leaders. Over time, it gradually expanded beyond the borders of the Koryo Dynasty, reaching other cultures and languages within Hydrana. Its elegance, adaptability, and phonetic precision won over many new speakers, who enthusiastically adopted Hangul for their written communication needs.
In the present day, Hangul has achieved widespread use across many regions and cultures within Hydrana. While its original purpose was to provide a universal script, Hangul has evolved to accommodate the specific phonetic and linguistic needs of various languages, serving as a testament to its versatility. Its continued adaptation to new languages and cultures ensures that Hangul remains a vital and vibrant writing system in the diverse world of Hydrana.
