Syllabics is a writing system used primarily for indigenous languages in Canada, such as Cree, Inuktitut, and Ojibwe. Unlike alphabetic systems that represent individual sounds, syllabics represent syllables, making it easier to write languages with complex sound structures. Each symbol typically corresponds to a consonant-vowel combination. The system was developed in the 19th century by James Evans, a missionary who aimed to create a practical writing method for the Cree language. Syllabics has since evolved and adapted to various languages, providing a unique and culturally significant way to preserve and promote indigenous languages and literatures.