In this email, we will explain why Unicode supported software applications need to accommodate positional character glyphs to truly support Arabic script.

Global software needs have created a strong demand for "local" language support of technologies. However, even with the rise of Unicode supported applications and awareness to "develop for localization," many applications fall short of adequate when it comes to supporting Arabic script. Often, even within the localization industry, there is a pervasive lack of knowledge concerning the Arabic language and its script.

Arabic letters assume different forms according to their positions within a word and are written from right-to-left. The appearance of some letters change minutely, while others seem to change dramatically.

Below are examples of two letters ط (T) and ه (h). See how one of them (" ط ") remains almost unchanged, even when situated in different positions within a word? The second's (" ه ") appearance changes dramatically according to its position within a word. In the Arabic Unicode set, each letter has a minimum of five unique Unicode IDs to accomodate positional glyphs, regardless of the extent to which the letter shape seems to have stayed the same. The Unicode for each letterform is represented below its example.

Unicode enabled text editors will automatically convert letters into their proper positional glyphs when a typist inputs data. Problems arise when other software components, interacting with the editor, do not know how to handle the glyphs. When a software application employs Unicode, and right-to-left text direction, but does not properly support the behaviors of Arabic script, it results in unreadable and unusable text. Below is a screen shot taken from a graphics application with Unicode, right-to-left support.

The overlying window is the program’s text editor interface, and represents how the final text should render. However, beneath is the actual image window with all letters incorrectly rendered in their isolated forms. This behavior makes it impossible to create text-based graphics from the software's text editor. At the same time, the manufacturer of the product is missing out on a market opportunity. Arabic is the fastest growing language on the Internet.

The fact that many software products do not support Arabic properly results in an undervaluation of the Arabic market. Aside from Microsoft products, few titles offer comprehensive script and interface support for the language. Ironically, in the case of the software above, computer stores sell multiple Arabic language tutorials, while the product itself is unavailable.

؟ Did you know ?
When Arabic letters join in certain sequences, they have “rules of engagement,” creating a completely different compound glyph with its own Unicode number. For example,
" أ لـ لـ ه " becomes الله [Unicode FDF2] and " لـ ا  " becomes لا [Unicode FEFB].

The need for education about Arabic localization and technology issues is becoming apparent. This email is one of a series that will highlight issues in localizing for the Arabic language.

This email was written and distributed by Alawy, LLC. Alawy specializes in Arabic language technology development and localization. In tandem, Alawy also provides cultural, market & language consulting services.

Alawy, LLC. 57 Warren Street Norwich, CT 06360 United States of America Tel: 1 (860) 859-3564 83 Thacher Street Milton, MA 02186 United States of America Telephone: 1 (617) 273-0102.

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