Re: logos, symbols, and ligatures

John Hudson <[email protected]>
Newsgroups gmane.text.unicode.devel
Message-ID <[email protected]>
>> Not really.  The syllable boundary stops ONLY SOME ligature
>> formations.  It does not prevent for example the "ff" ligature,
>> because the two letters are (almost) always occurring over a
>> syllable break (except at end of a word).  The "ff" ligature is an
>> example where ligation occurs for aesthetical reasons.  [...]

So the 'rule' is that ligatures never form across syllable boundaries unless they (almost) 
always form across syllable boundaries.

This all looks to me like a typographic style guide gone mad by trying to impose 
quasi-grammatical rules on what is ultimately an inherited aspect of writing: the 
convenient connection between certain letter strokes that obtain the benefit of avoiding 
collisions while maintaining rhythm in letterspacing.

Has anyone actually tested the impact of these rules on readability in any empirical way? 
Is there any significant gain/loss in reading speed or comprehension between following 
these rules or applying ligation in the way it is apparently used without concern for 
every other language?

John Hudson

-- 

Tiro Typeworks        www.tiro.com
Gulf Islands, BC      [email protected]

A bilabial velaric ingressive stop is essentially a kiss.
-- Pullum & Ladusaw, _Phonetic symbol guide_
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