Written languages are systems of communication that use symbols, letters, or characters to represent spoken language. They allow people to record information, share ideas, and preserve culture over time. Examples of written languages include English, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic, each with its own unique script and rules. The development of written languages began thousands of years ago, with early forms like cuneiform in Mesopotamia and hieroglyphics in Egypt. These systems evolved to meet the needs of societies, enabling the documentation of laws, trade, and history, which played a crucial role in the advancement of civilizations.