Boustrophedon
Definition
Boustrophedon is a style of writing where alternate lines are written in opposite directions (from left to right and from right to left). Letters from right to left are written in a reverse mirror style.[1]
Etymology
Boustrophedon originally comes from the Ancient Greek word, βουστροφηδόν, or boustrophēdón. Breaking down the word, "Bous," literally translates to ox, and "strophus," translates to turning. The word "boustrophedon" literally means 'as an ox turns in plowing."[1]
Examples of Boustrophedon Being Used
Hieroglyphic Luwian
The Luwian language is one of several ancient extinct Anatolian languages. The Luwian language is preserved by two forms, cuneiform script and hieroglyphic writing.[2] Hieroglyphic Luwian is written boustrophedonically with each line pointing into the font of animals or body parts.
Rousseau
To make it easier for musical staff to read from one to another, Jean- Jacques Rousseau envisioned a "boustrophedon" notation. This required the writer to write second staff from right to left, reversing them every second line. This way, Rousseau avoided the staff having to "jump" while reading. [3]
"As the Ox Plows"
"As the Ox Plows" is a poster zine that utilizes the boustrophedon method.[4] Twenty-four artists and one artist duo are included on this project.
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 “Boustrophedon Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boustrophedon. Accessed 5 Sept. 2025.
- ↑ H. Craig Melchert A. Richard Diebold Professor of Indo-European Studies and Professor of Linguistics Emeritus, University of California at Los Angeles. Author of Anatolian Historical Phonology. “Luwian Language.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Luwian-language. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
- ↑ “Rousseau, Happy at Chenonceau - Google Arts & Culture.” Google, Google, artsandculture.google.com/story/rousseau-happy-at-chenonceau/MAUBBPZLl7ggKg. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
- ↑ “As the Ox Plows - Mundus Press.” As the Ox Plows - Mundus Press, munduspress.world/as-the-ox-plows. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
