| Abstract: |
The standard Roman character set used today in most information media does not answer the strong demand for multi-lingual information transfer. The adaption of computer applications to include all character sets of the main European languages, at least of the official UN languages in essential, but poses problems especially for Arabic or even Chinese. Line printers use formed character sets, and any expansion of it involves replacement or addition, whereas matrix printers, which use dots to form characters, can be adapted more easily to form new symbols within the matrix limitation. Most VDU terminals also use the matrix method. Some small diacritics cannot be handled adequately as yet. Sophisticated photocomposition devices cover many different character sets, but alone are not suitable for all fields of computer assisted lexicography.
Programs for bi-lingual output (on a line printer, VDU and photocomposing unit) using Roman and Arabic character sets with diacritics have been developed successfully by Klett/Interpart and other printing and software firms. Arabic, written from right to left, was difficult; other character sets, such as Greek or Russian, will cause less problems. |