Writing, a system of visual characters, letters and symbols that communicate information and ideas, appears early in Africa. In Northern Africa, ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics date back 5,000 years, and in Eastern Africa, Ethiopia had a form of writing, known as Ge’ez, at least 1,600 years ago.

Muslim peoples from Northern Africa began to spread the use of Arabic writing to Western and Eastern Africa over 1,000 years ago. The inkwell, which is an example of the use of Arabic, is from Morocco.

Beginning about 150 years ago, some African languages, which are overwhelmingly oral, rather than written forms of communication, were translated into European languages. Today, these written languages appear in newspapers and other publications. Arabic, as well as French, English and other European languages are important in contemporary life. However, rich oral traditions remain a vital part of African life.

Communication by means of marks, symbols and designs is found on various items such as masks, textiles and houses. Although not a true form of writing with an alphabet and rules of grammar, these forms of communication are important African ways of transmitting information and ideas.