The exposition reviews and evaluates two neglected theories of creation of the Greek alphabet. First, S.
Segert's hypothesis of the alphabet's Aramaic origin is treated from point of view of correspondence of Aramaic "matres lectionis" with Greek vowel-graphemes. Secondly, the article comments on R.
D. Woodard's theory of Cypriot origin of the alphabet.
Orthographic rules and the earliest alphabets do not correspond as fully as the theory would need. Woodard is pressed by the evidence to create a hypothetical layer of alphabet's evolution.