B6. Writing Systems

This lesson provides an in-depth guide to adding and configuring writing systems in a FLEx project. Here's a concise summary:

Objective:

• Add new vernacular and analysis writing systems to a FLEx project.

• Understand the properties and configuration options available for writing systems.

Key Concepts:

1. Writing Systems in FLEx:
   A writing system is defined by a language and its script, text direction, keyboard, font, and encoding.

   • Vernacular Writing Systems: Represent the language being studied (e.g., IPA transcription, multiple scripts, or orthographies).

   • Analysis Writing Systems: Describe the vernacular language (e.g., glosses in multiple languages/scripts).

2. Why Add Writing Systems?:
   Accommodate languages with multiple scripts (e.g., Serbian in Cyrillic and Latin).

   • Provide phonetic transcription (IPA) or audio representations.

   • Display equivalent glosses in multiple languages or scripts.

3. Configuration Steps:
   Access writing system properties through Format or Tools menus.

   • Add new systems by selecting a language/script or creating a variation.

   • Configure properties using tabs:

     • General: Set codes, abbreviations, spelling dictionaries, and RTL/LTR direction.

     • Font: Choose and customize display fonts (e.g., Graphite fonts).

     • Keyboard: Associate virtual keyboards for non-standard characters.

     • Sorting: Define custom sort rules for special characters (e.g., diacritics, digraphs).

     • Characters: Adjust word-forming and punctuation rules for specific scripts.

   • Test configurations (e.g., sort order, character behavior).

4. Special Features:
   Hide or delete writing systems to manage visibility or remove data.

   • Assign unique colors to writing systems for better differentiation in entries.

5. Practical Activities:
   Add and configure writing systems for Gwere (vernacular) and French, English, and Serbian (analysis).

   • Set custom sort rules and verify functionality in the project.

Completion:

• Includes a quiz (80% passing score) and links to additional resources, such as videos and technical notes.

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com