Re: Toki Pona Script

[Repeating a reply made directly to Sai.  It seems the Reply-to
on my previous message was wrong, so Sai had replied to me, as
had Henrik.]

On Tue, 1 Aug 2006, Sai Emrys wrote:
>
> > However, for handwritten use, many of the symbols are too
> complex to write quickly and too rectilinear to readily
> approximate cursively.  Ideally, I think, a practical script for
> any language will enable quick and fluid reading and writing.
> And it doesn't hurt if it looks beautiful, too, but that's a bit
> harder to achieve.
>
> Perhaps have a separate variant of the script for handwriting?
>
> I at least see no need to impose handwriting limitations on
> computer-use script, or vice versa.

Hi Sai,

How's everything?  Hope you're meeting some success in your hunt for a job
or academic position that suits your strengths and interests.


Let me start with your second point first:
> I at least see no need to impose handwriting limitations on computer-use
script, or vice versa.

Nor I, especially where such a script is intended only for use on computer.


Regarding your first point:
> Perhaps have a separate variant of the script for handwriting?
Why not?  However, for a script that one intends also for handwriting, it
would still make sense to have the computer, print and handwritten
letterforms substantially similar, to minimise any potential confusion
through "cognitive dissonance".  Another, similar consideration for
handwritten forms is that they ought to be readily adaptable to different
writing instruments, eg fineline ballpoint, fineline or chiselpoint felttip,
calligrapher's (eg copperplate) nib, quill, brush, etc, without loss of
significant detail.  And as far as possible, such handwritten scripts should
be both beautiful and ergonomic.  However, none of these considerations
would prevent anyone from creating a script suitable only to one or a few
means of production.

Have you ever done any calligraphy, or written with a brush, eg sumie?
Personally, I find producing an admirable quality of calligraphic work in
Latin and Gothic scripts to be more tedious and time-consuming than the
output warrants, so I haven't done any of that for years.  However, writing
with a brush is capable of creating works that are at once organic and
intelligent, and of the highest artistic perfection.  I would return to
doing sumie, which I studied years ago, if I could spend enough time on it
to satisfy my own standards.

Regards and best wishes,
Yahya

------------------------------------------------
      Yahya Abdal-Aziz
      Yahya@MelbPC.Org.Au
      Melbourne PC User Group
      Convener, Graphics Interest Group
      Convener, Music Interest Group
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