One challenge in xenolinguistics is that we don't know if extraterrestrial communication would even be based on sound or language as we understand it – it could be entirely different forms of communication, like pheromones or electromagnetic signals. elaborate
Cuneiform writing used over 600 different signs at its peak. elaborate
The hieroglyphic writing system included determinatives—symbols that didn't represent sounds, but clarified the meaning of the word they accompanied. elaborate
The Dutch language uses a lot of "g"-sounds, often in words where English uses "ch" or "k". For example, "goed" (good) and "gekookt" (cooked). elaborate
The study of semiotics can be applied to anything that conveys meaning, from traffic lights to emojis to even silence. elaborate
The word "etymology" itself comes from the Greek words "etymos" (true) and "logos" (word), literally meaning "the study of the true meaning of words." elaborate
Silent languages, like sign languages, aren't universally understood; there are many distinct sign languages around the world, each with its own unique grammar and vocabulary, just like spoken languages. elaborate