Deseret Unicode Script

The Deseret script is a unique alphabet created in the mid-19th century primarily to assist in the phonetic writing of the English language. Developed under the direction of the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Brigham Young, the script sought to simplify English spelling and improve literacy. The Deseret alphabet consists of 38 characters, each representing a specific English phoneme. This design is notably distinct from the Latin alphabet, with unique glyphs intended to represent vowel and consonant sounds more intuitively. Despite the ambition and innovation behind its creation, the Deseret script was never widely adopted. It was mainly used in a few publications between 1854 and 1869, including some church pamphlets and school primers.

The script reflects a period in American history when there was significant interest in educational reform and phonetic spelling. While the Deseret alphabet did not achieve long-term success or widespread use, it remains an interesting footnote in the history of writing systems and linguistic experiments. Its preservation in Unicode enables digital access and study, allowing linguists and historians to explore this fascinating example of 19th-century innovation. The ongoing interest in the script highlights the creative endeavors of its time and provides insight into the cultural and linguistic aspirations of the early settlers in the Utah Territory. Today, although largely of historical curiosity, the Deseret script is recognized in the Unicode Standard, ensuring its preservation for future generations interested in linguistic history and orthographic development.

Below you will find all the characters that are in the 'Deseret' unicode script category. Currently there are 80 characters in this category.