Re: hanzi vs kanji

["Frank T. Pohlmann" <polar_beauty@xxxxxxxxx>]

> >1. language,
> >2. script, and
> >3. typeface 'category' or other typeface
> differences.
> 
> (Im assuming you mean that "script" is lexical,
> "language" is semantic, and "typeface" is stylistic)
> 
> 
> Thats really the question: Is the difference between
> Hanzi and Kanji more one of typeface or of script.

I would argue that there are differences between those
scripts that are substantial.

> 
> I would argue that it is a real script difference,
> but it is typically implemented as a typeface
> difference. A character in these scripts do have
> a precise set of radicals, stroke order, and
> proportion.

In an ideal world, that is. There is definitely a
"precise set of radicals", although there are
differences (I am thinking of the Kangxi dictionary
set - was it ever accepted in Japan?).

I would also agree on the issue of stroke order. When
it comes to proportion, we are entering somewhat
dangerous territory. 

 (Stylization is something applied
> afterwards, deviating from the script norm.)

Yes. 

> 
> 
> It is certainly possible for some to overcome this
> difference, and read their own language despite
> its being in another script, but that does not
> prove that they are identical scripts.

My point was that Hanzi are used to write Chinese
(both classical and modern), but Kanji are used to
write (modern) Japanese to a varying degree. Also, the
meaning of Kanji has sometimes, if subtly, changed.

> 
> 
> The difference between fraktur and arial however,
> is purely one of typeface, and seems relatively
> trivial. Perhaps given more time it could have
> evolved into a different script...

Yes, I agree.

-frank

> 
> 
> 
> --
> Linux-UTF8:   i18n of Linux on all levels
> Archive:      http://mail.nl.linux.org/linux-utf8/
>  

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Everything you'll ever need on one web page
from News and Sport to Email and Music Charts
http://uk.my.yahoo.com
--
Linux-UTF8:   i18n of Linux on all levels
Archive:      http://mail.nl.linux.org/linux-utf8/