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Dots and lines beneath the letters.
Also known as: Hebrew vowel points, Pointing
The Hebrew system writing vowels as points and strokes placed around a consonantal text.
Writes the vowels of Hebrew as marks around the consonantal letters.
Contexts: Language and transcription, Religion
Placed below the line specifically so the received consonantal text was untouched: the Masoretes could add information but could not alter a letter, and the whole apparatus is shaped by that prohibition.
Contexts: Language and transcription, Religion
Omitted from almost all modern Hebrew writing, which is read unpointed, so the marks belong to scripture, poetry, dictionaries and children's books rather than to ordinary text.
Contexts: Language and transcription, Religion
Dots and short lines set beneath the letters, with one point above and one inside, arranged so that no mark touches or alters the letter shapes.