> clay tokens representing units of goods were used for accounting (8000–3500 BC). ... The token system had little in common with spoken language except that, like a word, a token stood for one concept. Unlike speech, tokens were restricted to one type of information only, namely, real goods. Unlike spoken language, the token system made no use of syntax.
That is, for 4.5ky Sumerians had a form of abstracted accounting record very unlike a writing system proper, and it was used on a large territory where people likely spoke different languages / dialects.
(In a sense, it was an early era of digital communication.)
That is, for 4.5ky Sumerians had a form of abstracted accounting record very unlike a writing system proper, and it was used on a large territory where people likely spoke different languages / dialects.
(In a sense, it was an early era of digital communication.)