The earliest form of writing known as the pictorial language.

Pictorial language is a form of writing where pictures or symbols are used to convey meaning. It was used by ancient civilizations to record and communicate information. Here is an explanation of why the pictorial language is considered the earliest form of writing:

1. Definition of Pictorial Language:
- Pictorial language is a system of writing that uses pictures or symbols to represent words, ideas, or concepts.
- Each picture or symbol in the pictorial language represents a specific word or idea.

2. Examples of Pictorial Language:
- One of the earliest examples of pictorial language is the cave paintings found in Lascaux, France, dating back over 17,000 years.
- These cave paintings depict animals and human figures and are believed to have been used for communication or storytelling purposes.

3. Characteristics of Pictorial Language:
- Pictorial language uses visual representations to convey meaning.
- It relies on the use of symbols or pictures that have a direct connection to the objects or concepts they represent.
- Pictorial language does not use a standardized set of symbols or characters like alphabets or hieroglyphics.

4. Advantages and Limitations of Pictorial Language:
- Pictorial language allows for the representation of complex ideas and concepts through visual symbols.
- It can be easily understood by people from different cultures or languages.
- However, pictorial language has limitations in terms of expressing abstract or complex ideas that cannot be easily represented by pictures.

5. Development of Writing Systems:
- Over time, pictorial language evolved into more sophisticated writing systems like hieroglyphics and cuneiform.
- Hieroglyphics, used by the ancient Egyptians, used a combination of pictures and symbols to represent words and sounds.
- Cuneiform, used by ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, was one of the earliest known writing systems that used wedge-shaped symbols pressed into clay tablets.

In conclusion, the earliest form of writing known as the pictorial language used pictures or symbols to represent words and ideas. It was a precursor to more complex writing systems like hieroglyphics and cuneiform. The development of writing systems marked an important milestone in human history, allowing for the preservation and communication of knowledge.