Definitions of writing systems

[Dan Parvaz]

Often, the short vowels simply have to be memorized. Where there is
ambiguity (is"ktb" read as "kataba", "kutiba", or "kutub"?) Reference
needs to be made to the syntax:  from then you can tell if it's an
active verb, a passive verb, or a plural noun.

However, in abjads, some consonants (glottal stop, w, y) also stand in
place of vowels. Western Hebrew grammarians refer to these
consonant/vowels as "matres lectionis". This is true of all Semitic
alphabets that I know of, including Ugaritic cuneiform.

Cheers,

-Dan.
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