písmu

Písmu is the term used in Czech and related languages to denote a system of symbols used to write a language. It includes the set of letters and other signs (diacritics, punctuation, numerals) and the conventions that govern their use, such as spelling rules and lineation. In a broader sense, písmo refers to both the script (the writing system) and the physical form of letters themselves, including typography.

Writing systems can be categorized by how they represent language. Alphabetic scripts map letters to phonemes, as in Latin and Cyrillic. Syllabaries encode syllables as units, and logographic systems use symbols that represent words or morphemes. Some scripts combine features or belong to subtypes like abugidas or abjads. In the context of Central Europe, the Latin script with diacritics is predominant for Czech and Slovak, while other Slavic languages have historically used Cyrillic or Glagolitic scripts in certain periods or communities.

Diacritics are integral to písmu in many languages, signaling differences in pronunciation and meaning and influencing orthographic conventions and typography. The study of písmo also involves historical development, such as how scripts spread, evolved, or were replaced, and how national traditions shaped spelling and style.

In the digital era, písmu is encoded in standards like Unicode, enabling consistent rendering across platforms. Typography, font design, and typesetting remain important aspects of písmo, affecting readability and aesthetic impression in print and on screen.