Answer :
The 'large alien writing' is a metaphor for unfamiliar or ancient writing, shown in historical examples like illuminated initials in manuscripts or inscriptions. These, due to their unfamiliar and complex nature, may appear 'alien' to modern observers.
The large alien writing on the clipboard in The Little Prince is a metaphorical representation and doesn't refer to a literal alien language. However, in historical manuscripts, ornate and intricate initial letters, such as the illuminated initial "C" discussed in reference to the Omne bonum encyclopedia, can appear alien-like to modern readers. These decorative elements in manuscripts often included elaborate illustrations and Latin inscriptions like "IN PRINCIPIO ERAT VERBUM" which could be likened to the metaphorical 'alien writing' as a form of complex, older script unknown to the contemporary observer.
The quoted Latin inscriptions and historical contexts of ancient artifacts, such as the elephant ivory with inscriptions from the Cloisters Collection or the cross with hieroglyphs, provide examples of how ancient writing can seem alien to those unfamiliar with their meaning or context. Furthermore, the misunderstandings that can arise from analyzing cultural artifacts without proper context, as illustrated by the humorous alien cartoon, are similar to the conceptual 'alien writing' that one must decipher when engaging with historical texts and artifacts.
