Phonetic Character Sets: Printing, Sorting and Computing

• Published in: Literary and Linguistic Computing
• Main Author: NEUHAUS, H.J
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 1986
• Subjects: Articles; Pacific; tlingit
• Online Access: http://llc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/1/3/163; https://doi.org/10.1093/llc/1.3.163

Many problems associated with the computational handling of phonetic scripts can be solved in a typical low-cost microcomputing environment. Phonetic character sets defygeneral transliterationstandards due to their potentially huge inventories. Individual schemes, optimally adapted to a particular use, are therefore both a necessity and an advantage. At least there representations of phonetic trtanscriptions have to be specified: (1) an input collating sequence including a keyboard layout, (2) an internal collating sequence, or sorting order, and (3) an output character set, or a family of phonetic fonts. Standard software tools can do the necessary conversions between these representaions. Normally, there are various options for collating sequences. This is shown for English Received Pronunciation transcriptions. Further translation programs can link different transcription conventions of one particular language variety. As an example, the input and output of a transfer program for two German transcription conventions are discussed. Finally, a straightforward font replacement scheme is illustrated with a short Tlingit (pacific Northwest) tale. Here, the same internal representation can be printed in the original script, a standard IPA character set, orin a popular orthography for general use. All examples are printed on a low-cost matrix printer in graphics mode.