The next step forward is the development of the ideogram into the phonogram, or sound sign.
The ideogram does not represent a word; it represents an idea.
The idea conveyed by what we call the conjunction "and" is expressed in Chinese by an ideogram, viz.
"The ideogram for one, consisting of a single horizontal stroke, separates (and simultaneously unites) heaven and earth" (p. 5).
The common Sumerian ideogram for the name of the Tigris is al-al, an intensified form of al, which means “running” or “rushing”.
As the god Bin was also called Rimmon, the ideogram of the name may be read one way or the other.
An-na, ideogram for the god of heaven, plus phonetic complement.
Further evidence to the same effect is given by the ancient writing, in which the ideogram for king was a star.
H” gives us a picture of a reed, the late cuneiform character being the ideogram for “kanu” which means a “reed.
Applied to a settlement, the ideogram would be the equivalent of our 'Fishtown.'
