Samaritan Unicode Script

The Samaritan script is an ancient and unique system of writing that has been utilized by the Samaritan community for over two millennia. It is primarily used to write the Samaritan Hebrew dialect, particularly the Samaritan Pentateuch, which is the community's version of the Torah. The origins of the Samaritan script can be traced back to the Paleo-Hebrew alphabet, with which it shares a common ancestry. This script is a direct descendant of the Old Hebrew script, which was used by the Kingdom of Israel before the Babylonian exile. Unlike the more widely known square Hebrew script, which evolved significantly over time, the Samaritan script has retained many of its archaic characteristics, making it a valuable resource for linguistic and historical studies, offering insights into ancient Hebrew writing and culture.

Visually, the Samaritan script is distinctive for its angular and somewhat geometric appearance, and it consists of 22 letters, all of which are consonantal. Vowels are indicated using a system of diacritical marks known as "Nikkud," much like in other Semitic scripts. Despite its historical significance, the Samaritan script is not widely used in the modern world outside of the Samaritan community. Nonetheless, it holds immense cultural and religious importance for the Samaritans, who continue to use it in both liturgical and everyday contexts. The preservation and study of this script are critical for understanding not only the linguistic history of the Hebrew language but also the rich cultural heritage and religious traditions of the Samaritans. Efforts to digitize the script and include it in Unicode have been successful, ensuring its accessibility and continued relevance in the digital age.

Below you will find all the characters that are in the 'Samaritan' unicode script category. Currently there are 61 characters in this category.