Script - Gothic

Gothic is a historical script used primarily for the Gothic language, an East Germanic tongue spoken from roughly the 4th to 6th centuries CE, most famously preserved in the Codex Argenteus, a 6th century manuscript of the Bible. Its alphabet, created by Bishop Ulfilas, blends Greek and Latin letterforms with some Runic influences, featuring 27 characters, including two special letters for Greek-derived sounds. In text processing, the Gothic script value identifies these characters for correct rendering, search, and linguistic analysis, distinguishing them from other ancient or medieval writing systems. Its inclusion supports digital preservation of this extinct language, enabling scholars to study its unique phonology and vocabulary. While rare in modern use, the script’s value aids in accurately displaying and processing Gothic inscriptions and manuscripts, ensuring that this early Germanic literary heritage remains accessible in digital contexts.