Kirjatavas

Kirjatavas refers to a historical Estonian writing system that was used for secular purposes, primarily for administrative and personal correspondence, before the widespread adoption of the modern Estonian alphabet. It is characterized by its cursive script, which evolved from Gothic and later Baroque influences. The script typically featured a distinct set of letter forms that could be challenging for modern readers to decipher without specific training.

The development of kirjatavas was influenced by the prevailing handwriting styles in Northern Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. While Latin letters formed the basis of the alphabet, their execution in kirjatavas often involved intricate ligatures and flourishes. This script was predominantly used by educated Estonians, clergy, and the ruling class for everyday writing.

The purpose of kirjatavas was to facilitate written communication in Estonian. It allowed for the recording of local laws, personal letters, and early literary works. However, its complexity and the limited literacy rates among the general population meant that its use was somewhat restricted. As Estonia modernized and literacy increased in the 19th century, there was a gradual shift towards a more standardized and accessible alphabet, leading to the decline of kirjatavas. Today, kirjatavas is primarily of historical and paleographic interest, studied by linguists and historians examining the development of written Estonian.