This text provides a brief history of the discipline of translation studies, starting with the beginnings of translation and the development of the first alphabets. It discusses the origins of writing, such as the Sumerian cuneiform script in Mesopotamia, and how writing was initially used for agricultural and commercial purposes. The text also explores the significance of writing as a divine gift and the exclusive privilege of certain classes. Additionally, it mentions the discovery of ancient Sumerian-Eblaite vocabularies inscribed on clay tablets.