Re: [lojban] Re: D'ni orthography for Lojban

[Jon MacLeod <eye_onus@yahoo.com>]

--- Hugh O'Byrne <hobyrne@gmail.com> wrote:
> > The D'ni language has 24 different characters, 11 with accented versions
> > (the xy. and by., for example), and has 35 individual sounds. I honestly  
> > don't know why the creators of the Myst series of games decided to attach a
> > certain symbol to a certain phoneme, I just know which one's are which.
> 
> Ah.  I did not realise that the typeface came from a game.  I wonder if
> copyright is an issue.

I'll find out.

> I think if a new alphabet is to be chosen for Lojban, it must have design
> considerations which are compatible and harmonious with Lojban.  The first
> consideration I can think of is that it should be robust against time; i.e.
> robust against sloppiness.  Features which may get smeared or de-emphasised
> in haste should, as much as possible, retain as much recognisability as
> possible, and be as easily distinguised from other smeared features as
> possible.
> 
> The second design consideration I would put forward is orthogonality (e.g.
> that the presence/absence of the accent in a symbol correspond to a
> *particular* feature of the corresponding phoneme, e.g. whether the phoneme
> is voiced or not).
> 
> There are interesting consequences and interplays to take into
> consideration.  I find it quite fascinating.  It elicits some deep thinking
> on how exactly perception works, when one explores how one symbol can be
> made 'as different as possible' from another symbol, within rules.
> 
> Omniglot (http://www.omniglot.com/) is a good place to explore shapes of
> letters.  If you're interested in alphabets and orthographies, a visit there
> is highly recommended.  And, of course, the IPA (
> http://www.arts.gla.ac.uk/ipa/fullchart.html) is a valuable resource for
> classifying the other end of the orthography: the phones and phonemes
> (different words! different concepts!) that are represented by the shapes on
> the page.
> 
> I don't have anything against altering Lojbanic usage of the D'ni character
> > set
> > to be more correct
> 
> 
> :) aha, you'll get me in trouble.  I know better than to try and claim I am
> 'correct' on this issue.  I express opinions.  Others will express other
> opinions.  History will decide which opinions are more valid.  Or it won't.
>
> - if you are wont to, by all means alter it as you see fit
> > to improve for Lojbanic usage, I would love to see the result, and I'll be
> > more
> > than happy to fix the font mappings to your results.
> 
> 
> I have mused on matters of orthography for years, but I'm still not sure my
> expertise is up to the high standard I have set for a 'perfect alphabet'.  I
> guess I should get started trying.

I actually considered revising the linkage between the sounds and symbols
myself, but I have absolutely no experience in the matter, however poorly you
may do, I have no doubt it would be better than my attempt. I do believe that
some form of alteration would be a good idea.

> > "As a percentage of total universal knowledge, what I know is
> > statistically insignificant." - me
> 
> 
> I like that sentiment.  It makes me more eager to share what little
> expertise I have, and collaborate with those whose goal is also to
> contribute to the collective knowledge.

.ui I must say that the quote orginates from the saying "A wise man knows that
he knows nothing." And is meant in a sarcastically humorous tone- even it is a
factual statement. (I like using big wors- they're more presice.)

> mi'e .xius.
> --
> Good night, and have a rational tomorrow!
> 


mi'e .topy'at.

"I have a brain, I've just lost my mind." -Ian McLeod

"As a percentage of total universal knowledge, what I know is statistically insignificant." - me


 
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