Re: Optimum number of symbols

"Mike S." wrote:
> In addition, child A is still learning his syllabary at the same
> time that child B has learned his alphabet.  This is because while
> an alphabet has typically about C + V characters, a typical
> syllabary has an approximate minimum of C x V characters, and
> perhaps several times that, depending on syllable complexity.
You're making the erroneous assumption that an alphabetic character is
as easy to learn as a syllabic character.  However, syllabic characters
can be learned faster than alphabetic characters, as they are
pronounceable in and of themselves.  Japanese children learn the 46 kana
characters within a few months.  Children are expected to know hiragana
by the 3rd month of 1st grade, and usually already know it before they
enter 1st grade, taught by family.  Even regular alphabets take longer
to learn.

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