Ubuntu Font Family

Bug #650729
Comment #1

Comment 1 for bug 650729

Revision history for this message

Paul Sladen (sladen) wrote on 2010-09-29: Re: Ubuntu Font should support (at least some) Klingon

My understanding is that spoken Klingon (tlhIngan Hol) is most frequently written using the Latin script, for which the Ubuntu Font Family already provides (nearly) full glyph coverage.

A less common written script (than Latin) is pIqaD , which was proposed for inclusion into Unicode in Unicode Plane 1 range, but eventually was reject at the time, 9-1 against, on the second attempt. In the meantime, there is an unofficial (but quasi-standard) mapping used within the top end of the Private Use Area (U+F8D0 to U+F8FF):

http://unicode.org/alloc/nonapprovals.html (second rejection, 2001, L2/01-212)
http://www.evertype.com/standards/csur/klingon.html (PUA U+F8D0 to U+F8FF)

The original first application/rejection (1997, L2/97-273):

http://std.dkuug.dk/jtc1/sc2/wg2/docs/n1643/n1643.htm (U+1CDD0 to U+1CD7F)

Both of these ranges remain unassigned to other specific purposes. In total there are 26 letters, 10 digits, 2 punctuation and 1 symbol. There is no requirement for specialised features or OpenType support, and all that is needed is possibly some simple kerning. The glyph outines themselves are curvaceous, being closer to Tibetan with the freeness of early Phoenician.

Ubuntu's aim is focused on more than merely global domination; Ubuntu harbours aspirations for enabling libre computer interaction across the Milky Way. Communication is very important contributor to survival during pan-galactic usurpation and all readers and writes should be able to use Ubuntu in their own languge. I ask the Klingon/pIqaD community to find a pair of type designers who will be able to take the process of research, testing and final design and harmonisation forward. Monospace, styles, and multiple weights will need to be created.

Slots to focus on individual scripts are likely to be assigned on a two-month basis following completion of the initial bootstrapped coverage of Latin, Cyrillic, Greek, Arabic and Hebrew. I would encourage being ready and prepared with initial designers, layouts and variations presented by the type designers during mid-2011 to ensure a early slot. The initial work should demonstrably harmonise with those scripts already about of the Ubuntu Font Family.

My understanding is that spoken Klingon (tlhIngan Hol) is most frequently written using the Latin script, for which the Ubuntu Font Family already provides (nearly) full glyph coverage.

A less common written script (than Latin) is pIqaD , which was proposed for inclusion into Unicode in Unicode Plane 1 range, but eventually was reject at the time, 9-1 against, on the second attempt.  In the meantime, there is an unofficial (but quasi-standard) mapping used within the top end of the Private Use Area (U+F8D0 to U+F8FF):

http://unicode.org/alloc/nonapprovals.html (second rejection, 2001, L2/01-212)
  http://www.evertype.com/standards/csur/klingon.html (PUA U+F8D0 to U+F8FF)

The original first application/rejection (1997, L2/97-273):

http://std.dkuug.dk/jtc1/sc2/wg2/docs/n1643/n1643.htm (U+1CDD0 to U+1CD7F)

Both of these ranges remain unassigned to other specific purposes.  In total there are 26 letters, 10 digits, 2 punctuation and 1 symbol.  There is no requirement for specialised features or OpenType support, and all that is needed is possibly some simple kerning.  The glyph outines themselves are curvaceous, being closer to Tibetan with the freeness of early Phoenician.

Ubuntu's aim is focused on more than merely global domination; Ubuntu harbours aspirations for enabling libre computer interaction across the Milky Way.  Communication is very important contributor to survival during pan-galactic usurpation and all readers and writes should be able to use Ubuntu in their own languge.  I ask the Klingon/pIqaD community to find a pair of type designers who will be able to take the process of research, testing and final design and harmonisation forward.  Monospace, styles, and multiple weights will need to be created.

Slots to focus on individual scripts are likely to be assigned on a two-month basis following completion of the initial bootstrapped coverage of Latin, Cyrillic, Greek, Arabic and Hebrew.  I would encourage being ready and prepared with initial designers, layouts and variations presented by the type designers during mid-2011 to ensure a early slot.  The initial work should demonstrably harmonise with those scripts already about of the Ubuntu Font Family.