Since the beginning, from cave paintings to modern languages, humans have developed written forms to communicate using symbols to visually convey messages and meaning. In this study, four dramatically different languages will be explored and compared in terms of their unique rules. The four languages in particular are English, Mandarin, Hindi, and Urdu. This study will employ studying the symbolic character embedded in their fonts. Type is a form, a symbol, and an icon. By manipulating the juxtaposition of letters and words, this study attempts to discover commonality of shapes and forms across these four typographic systems. Despite obvious differences in language and culture, commonalities may be detected and similarities may emerge. This deconstruction of visual symbols and typography may enable designers to craft logos and symbols that reach across cultural language barriers to communicate thoughts, ideas, and messages.
Exploring Commonality in Four Different Type Systems: Discovering how words in English, Mandarin, Hindi, and Urdu type can cross the cultures barriers
