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INDUS SCRIPT TRANSLATOR

Epoch Model Geometric-Phonetic Framework

How to use this translator: Think of each Indus symbol as having a hidden "sound code" based on its shape. Circles make round sounds like "oo", triangles make sharp sounds like "ee", and lines add rhythm. Click on symbols below to build a word, and watch as the tool reveals what it might have sounded like 4,000 years ago!

The translator shows you three things: the geometry (the math hidden in each shape), the phonetics (what sounds those shapes make), and Proto-Dravidian matches (ancient words that might match your inscription). You can even hear the pronunciation!

Epoch Constants

These mathematical values form the foundation of the geometric-phonetic mapping system:

κ
0.0349
Base epoch constant
κshadow
28.65
Shadow constant
σ
0.3125 (5/16)
Sigma ratio
√3
1.732
Triangle geometry
cos(BC)
0.667 (2/3)
Angular constant

1. Sign Input Panel

Click on signs below to build an inscription. Each sign has geometric values that map to specific sounds.

Your Inscription

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2. Geometric Analysis

Individual Sign Values

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Compound Values

Compound analysis will appear here...

Triaxial System Breakdown

S- (Negative)
0.00
Consonants, Nouns
S+ (Positive)
0.00
Vowels, Verbs
M+ (Quantity)
0.00
Duration, Tone

3. Phonetic Output

IPA Transcription

—

Formant Frequencies

F1 — Hz
F2 — Hz
F3 — Hz

4. Teaching Section

Understanding the Epoch Model

The Epoch Model proposes that Indus Valley script signs encode both geometric relationships and phonetic values. Each sign's shape corresponds to specific mathematical constants that map to acoustic frequencies.

Core Principle: Shape → Geometry → Frequency → Sound

A circle has circumference 2π → maps to vowel /u/ with formants F1=328Hz, F2=820Hz

Sign Categories

Circular Signs: Based on 2π, represent rounded vowels (/u/, /o/) and labial consonants (/m/, /p/)

Triangular Signs: Based on √3, represent high front vowels (/i/, /e/) and dental consonants (/t/, /n/)

Strokes: Linear units representing the base vowel /ə/ (schwa), with quantity indicating duration

Jars: Proportional shapes (4:2:1 ratio) representing the open central vowel /a/

Fish: √3 geometry representing the central vowel /ɨ/ and abundance concepts

From Geometry to Sound

The geometric-phonetic mapping follows these principles:

Circle (2π ≈ 6.283):
2π → /u/ → F1=328Hz, F2=820Hz

The rounded shape correlates with rounded vowel acoustics. The 2π value scales to formant frequencies through the epoch constants.

Triangle (√3 ≈ 1.732):
√3 → /i/ → F1=298Hz, F2=2580Hz

The height-to-base ratio of √3 correlates with the high F2 frequency characteristic of /i/.

Jar (4:2:1 ratio ≈ 4.00):
4:2:1 → /a/ → F1=775Hz, F2=1240Hz

The proportional segments map to the open vowel space, with balanced formant frequencies.

Consonant Derivation

Consonants are derived from base shapes with modifications:

  • Circle base: Labial consonants /m/, /p/ (lips form circular shape)
  • Triangle base: Dental/alveolar /t/, /n/ (tongue position forms triangular space)
  • Deep signs: Retroflex consonants /&#ʈ/, /&#ɖ/ (tongue curls back)
  • Stroked signs: Fricatives and affricates (air flow obstruction)

The Triaxial System

The Epoch Model organizes phonetic and semantic features along three axes:

S- (Negative Axis):
  • Consonants (obstruction of airflow)
  • Nouns (concrete objects)
  • Past tense (completed actions)
S+ (Positive Axis):
  • Vowels (open resonance)
  • Verbs (actions, processes)
  • Future tense (potential actions)
M+ (Quantity Axis):
  • Duration (vowel length)
  • Tone (pitch patterns)
  • Number (singular to plural)

Calculating Triaxial Values

For any inscription, the triaxial values are calculated as:

S- = Σ(consonant values) × κ
S+ = Σ(vowel values) × σ
M+ = Σ(stroke counts) × √3

These values reveal the phonetic structure and semantic category of the inscription.

Frequency-Meaning Correlations

The Epoch Model proposes that acoustic frequencies correlate with semantic domains:

Low Frequency (F1 > 700Hz):

Open vowels /a/, /ɑ/ → Physical objects, earth, foundation

Example: Jar signs often represent containers, measures, physical goods

High Frequency (F2 > 2000Hz):

Front vowels /i/, /e/ → Abstract concepts, sky, divine

Example: Triangle signs may represent stars, deities, spiritual concepts

Balanced Frequency (F1 ≈ F2):

Central vowels /ə/, /ɨ/ → Mediating concepts, transitions, processes

Example: Fish signs represent abundance flowing between domains

Formant Space and Meaning

The vowel formant space maps to a conceptual space:

  • Front-High (/i/): Sky, heaven, divine realm, future
  • Back-High (/u/): Deep, interior, storage, past
  • Front-Low (/æ/): Immediate, present, visible
  • Back-Low (/ɑ/): Foundation, earth, tangible
  • Central (/ə/, /ɨ/): Balance, mediation, transformation

5. Proto-Dravidian Lookup

Comparing your inscription's phonetic output with known Proto-Dravidian reconstructions...

Build an inscription to see potential Proto-Dravidian matches...

6. Sample Inscriptions

Fish + 6 Strokes = Pleiades

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Geometric Analysis: √3 (fish) + 6×1 (strokes) = 7.732
Phonetics: /ɨ/ + 6× /ə/ → *minə or *minnə
Proto-Dravidian: *min "star, to sparkle" → Pleiades (six visible stars)
Meaning: The Pleiades constellation, six sisters, time marker

Jar + 3 Strokes = Measure

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Geometric Analysis: 4.00 (jar ratio) + 3×1 (strokes) = 7.00
Phonetics: /a/ + 3× /ə/ → *pala or *mūr
Proto-Dravidian: *mūr "three" or *pala "measure, portion"
Meaning: Three units of measure, a standard quantity

Circle + Triangle = Divine Speech

Geometric Analysis: 2π (6.283) + √3 (1.732) = 8.015
Phonetics: /u/ + /i/ → *kui or *puy
Proto-Dravidian: *kūṟu "to speak, announce" or *pū "flower, bloom"
Meaning: Sacred utterance, divine proclamation, or celestial flowering

7 Strokes = Complete Cycle

|||||||
Geometric Analysis: 7×1 (strokes) = 7.00
Phonetics: 7× /ə/ → *ēḻ or *elu
Proto-Dravidian: *ēḻ "seven" (sacred number)
Meaning: Seven days, seven stars (Big Dipper), complete week cycle