Orthographies


1 Inventions of Ian James
2 Other writing systems
3 Font & script services

1  Inventions of Ian James

1.1  Miscellaneous scripts

In the process of developing a writing system for the a priori language SIGIL (see below), I became interested in orthographical experiments and problem-solving in the contexts of other languages. Many of the resulting scripts can also be found on Simon Ager’s excellent website Omniglot.

Phonological Cypher series:

1.2  Scripts for SIGIL

The writing system for SIGIL has been in parallel development with the a priori language since 2006. The language enforces phonological specifications upon the script, and the needs of writing and reading also make practical demands upon the design. These conflicting aspects have resulted in numerous experiments and revisions, but in almost every case, the design is phonetic-featural. Details about the language and its evolution will be found in the book Language for the World. Note that versions 1 through 23 of the script (and one or two others) were rejected from this list, being either structurally awkward or visually unappealing.

As yet, there is no final, official or fully satisfactory version; partly because the SIGIL language (including its phoneme set) is still in development. One of those listed here may be used and/or developed further when SIGIL itself is ready, or one of the SIGIL-esque scripts from among the Phonological Cyphers might be appropriate.

1.3  Visual index

A list of my invented scripts, which can be identified at a glance.
 

2  Other writing systems

2.1  Traditional scripts for natural languages

Some ancient scripts are under-appreciated, usually for lack of proper presentation. Some more recent scripts are very beautiful. These pages try to fill in some gaps:

2.2  Various other invented scripts

Over the centuries, some individuals have designed writing systems for personal use or for special occasions. Others have wanted something distinctive for their previously unwritten language. This is a small (but still expanding) set of interesting examples:

3  Font & script services

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All material on this page © Ian James.
Last modified Jan.17,2012