Abjads

An abjad is a type of writing system where each symbol typically stands for a consonant, leaving the reader to supply the appropriate vowel.

This contrasts with alphabets, which include letters for both consonants and vowels.

Abjads are often found in languages of the Semitic family, such as Arabic and Hebrew.

These scripts may include optional diacritical marks to represent vowels, which are usually employed in specific contexts like religious texts, poetry, or texts for language learners to aid in pronunciation.

The term “abjad” is derived from the first four letters of the traditional order of the Arabic alphabet: alif, bā’, jīm, dāl.