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Re: Character definition (Re: [idn] RE: alpha v0.3)

Whenever possible, I believe it is a Good Idea *not* to make things up.
Using the ISO-10646 character references is one way to assure we don't make
things up in this instance.

Bill Semich
.NU Domain


At 03:01 PM 2/5/00 +0100, Harald Tveit Alvestrand wrote:
>At 21:13 04.02.00 +0100, Karlsson Kent - keka wrote:
>
>>Some comments on the draft requirements doc.:
>>
>> > A character is the smallest component of written language that has
>> > semantic value. A character has a single abstract meaning and/or shape,
>> > but not a specific shape.
>>
>>Both of these sentences are objectionable.  A character is rather
>>smaller, usually, than anything that has a *semantic* value in any
>>sense. Nor does a character have a single abstract *meaning*.
>>
>>I don't have any really good substitute sentences to suggest right
>>now.
>
>Since I think we agree on using ISO 10646 for our character references, why 
>not use the ISO 10646 definitions?
>I'm sure they are objectionable to some too, but at least they're a 
>specific point of reference, and the fights about their definition are well 
>known.
>
>At the moment (draft text for edition 2), they are:
>
>4.6 character: A member of a set of elements used for the organisation, 
>control, or representation of data.
>
>4.8 coded character: A character together with its coded representation.
>
>4.9 coded character set: A set of unambiguous rules that establishes a 
>character set and the relationship between the characters of the set and 
>their coded representation.
>
>4.20 graphic character: A character, other than a control function, that 
>has a visual representation normally handwritten, printed, or displayed.
>
>There are more definitions - the text is available from 
>http://anubis.dkuug.dk/JTC1/SC2/WG2/docs/n2005/
>
>                             Harald
>
>
>--
>Harald Tveit Alvestrand, EDB Maxware, Norway
>Harald.Alvestrand@edb.maxware.no
>
>
>
Bill Semich
President and Founder
.NU Domain Ltd
http://whats.nu
bill@mail.nic.nu