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What kind of writing system is the Rohonc Codex written in?

Asked 26 Oct 2026 by ·4 answers·0·0 following
Most likely: the signs are a constructed code in which most signs stand for words or notions, with numerals and a calendar…Ahead on the evidence, not yet confirmed. It needs two reviews to be accepted.

Where it stands

Four answers have been proposed. The signs are a constructed code in which most signs stand for words or notions, with numerals and a calendar… leads, with evidence 2 for, 1 against: partly supported by its tests. Three are still possible. Of the one narrower question under it, none is answered yet.

Why it matters

Whether the signs stand for letters, syllables, words or notions decides what method can read them. Earlier attempts assumed letters and failed; Láng argued for a code of word-signs; Király and Tokai read it as one⁠[1]⁠[2].

Answers 4

Evidence: 2 for, 1 against
Most likely
None of these.
Not tested enough to call either way
Evidence: none yet
Still possible
Evidence: 1 for, 1 against
Disputed
The text is a shorthand or stenographic system.
Failed a test; not refuted outright
Evidence: 1 against
Disputed

History

  1. Láng puts forward: the signs are a constructed code in which most signs stand for words or notions, with numerals and a calendar…
  2. Láng puts forward: the signs are a cipher on the letters or syllables of a natural language.
  3. Láng puts forward: the text is a shorthand or stenographic system.
  4. Láng: statistical work found repetitions too strong for simple or polyalphabetic letter substitution.For: The signs are a constructed code in which most signs stand for words or notions, with numerals and a calendar…
  5. Láng: láng considered a homophonic syllabic cipher possible in principle but noted such systems were not used for…For: The signs are a cipher on the letters or syllables of a natural language.
  6. Láng: the signs are complex and not stroke-like, which argues against shorthand.Against: The text is a shorthand or stenographic system.
  7. Pelling: readings never reach letters or grammar, so the mechanism of the code is not fully explained.Against: The signs are a constructed code in which most signs stand for words or notions, with numerals and a calendar…
  8. Király & Tokai: király and Tokai read numerals, dates and parallel passages consistently as word-signs.For: The signs are a constructed code in which most signs stand for words or notions, with numerals and a calendar…
  9. Láng: every proposed letter-level table (Hungarian, Romanian, Sanskrit) was inconsistent or unpublished.Against: The signs are a cipher on the letters or syllables of a natural language.
  10. Asked on this site
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