I use the meaning of “love” to compare the ancient Sumerian cuneiform expression of “love” with the modern “I Love New York” logo. There are many levels to this comparison. I will compare historical context, design elements, and culture,Attributes.
History background:
Sumerian notation is an ancient script that dates back to the Early Bronze Age (around the third millennium BC). It was part of the cuneiform writing system used in the Sumerian language.The “I Love New York” sign, on the other hand, is a modern design created by MiltonGlaser in 1977 to promote tourism in New York State.
Design elements:
Sumerian notation combines two symbols, “ki” and “ag2” (pronounced “key ong”),where “ag2” makes the “ng” sound.The “I Love NY” logo uses more modern and simple, three-dimensional thick letters and a heart-shaped symbol in bright red color to replace the word “love”. It is simpleand clear, and is easy to understand in different languages and cultures.
Cultural significance:
In Sumerian culture, the concept of love had a specific social meaning, usually indicating a preferential or benevolent relationship between a superior and a subordinate. The modern logo represents a more universal and commercial concept of love,associated with affection for a place, and we can find this logo in every corner of New York. (Imitators can now be found in most parts of the world)
Similarities:
Although in different contexts and eras, both symbols convey the concept of love.They all use a combination of symbols to represent a concept.
Design sensibility:
Due to the use of stylus and clay tablets for writing, the design sensibility of cuneiform is linear and cuneiform, and the text carries a strong historical flavor.The design of the “I Love NY” logo is clean, iconic, and modern, using a sans-serif font and a heart symbol.
Cultural attributes:
Sumerian cuneiform was a logogram that was part of one of the earliest writing systems and had a specific pronunciation and social context.The “I Love New York” logo is modern and communicative and symbolic. It was first used in advertising and now can represent much more.
Sumerian text introduction and picture source:
The Sumerian Word of the Day.” LiveJournal, www.sumerianwotd.livejournal.com. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.
“ILoveNewYork” introduction and picture source:
I Love New York.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Mar. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Love_New_York.