The Jurchen Script is a writing system developed in the early 12th century by the Jurchen people, who were ancestors of the Manchu. It was primarily used to write the Jurchen language, which is a Tungusic language. The script is derived from the Khitan script and consists of characters that represent both syllables and individual sounds. The Jurchen Script was used during the Jin Dynasty, which the Jurchens established after conquering northern China. Although it was once widely used, the script eventually fell out of favor as the Manchu language and script became more prominent. Today, the Jurchen Script is of historical interest and is studied by linguists and historians.