SignWriting
From PuddleNet
Please read or watch a short article by Adam Frost entitled "Why SignWriting?" (part 1 and part 2).
SignWriting is the universal script for sign language that is easy to use with either pencil or computer. SignWriting is used on a daily basis to write notes and literature. SignWriting has a simple and robust data representation.
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[edit] Symbol
SignWriting uses many symbols. Each symbol in the ISWA has a unique name, but may not have a unique glyph.
When written by hand, there are an infinite number of symbols, the entire repertoire of MovementWriting is available. The symbols of the ISWA can be drawn by hand. Besides the ISWA, handwriting can use a special type of symbol called a Movement symbol. Movement symbols are not encoded in the ISWA but they do have unique names. Examples can be found in 'x-prop' with skateboards and x-axes.
There are several handwriting techniques: shorthand, block, cursive, even ink stamping.
The symbols of SignWriting, either written by hand or computer, fall into 1 of 3 main categories: Writing, Sequence, and Punctuation. Writing symbols have a special subcategory called 'Centering'. 'Centering' symbols are used when typesetting lanes.
The Writing symbols are used in clusters to form sign.
The Sequence symbols are used with Writing symbols when sorting signs in order. Sequence symbols are not always needed and used to provide additional information.
The Punctuation symbols are used individually for sentences.
[edit] Cluster
The major difference between SignWriting and other scripts is that SignWriting is spatial, and not sequential. Either left to right, or top to bottom, almost all other scripts put one character after another. The symbols of SignWriting are written spatially. Each sign, like a word, is written based on spelling rules. One symbol is used as the center and the other symbols relate or revolve around that center spatially. Each sign is therefore a spatial unit or cluster of ordered symbols.
Clusters are covered by SignSpelling rule 1: write the position of contact.
[edit] Center
Each symbol in SignWriting has two centers: absolute and artistic. The absolute center of the symbol is based on the width and height of the glyph. The artistic center of a hand shape symbol is the center of the palms. The artistic center of a head shape is probably close to the absolute center.
Glyphs are combined in two dimensions to create glyphograms: sign images. Every sign in SignWriting has two centers: absolute and artistic. The absolute center is based on a bounding box: the smallest possible rectangle that encloses a cluster. The bounding box will either enclose all symbols or only enclose the centering symbols.
The artistic center of a sign is covered by SignSpelling rule 2: every sign has a center.
[edit] Column
Glyphograms are stacked top down in columns based on their center. The columns are viewed left to right.
[edit] Lane
Lanes are an advanced writing concept that describe body weight shifts. The signer physically moves their center. It is more than just leaning. There are three lanes available: left, middle, and right. When writing without lanes, the middle of the column is used to align the center of the glphograms. When lanes are used, the middle of the column becomes the middle lane. A right lane and a left lane are added at specific horizontal offsets. Glyphograms in either the right or left lane are shifted horizontally to align the lane and glyphogram center.
[edit] Sort
Sorting is achieved with the SignSpelling Sequence, hereafter called the sequence. The visible spelling is separate from the sort spelling used to order. There are special sorting symbols that are not used for writing.
[edit] Search
Searching is based on spatial characters, rather than sequential. There are several areas of focus.
- individual symbols
- BaseSymbols with specific rotations or fills
- symbol combinations
- spatial arrangement
- exact sign match
