Table 2 Basic terms of pattern evolution research with special emphasis on script informatics [3]
From: Validation of graph sequence clusters through multivariate analysis: application to Rovash scripts
Term | Description |
|---|---|
Glyph | A property of the symbol, i.e. the drawing of the symbol |
Graph | A self-contained, visually or otherwise perceptible formal unit. It is the implemented glyph of the symbol |
Graph sequence | It implements a symbol sequence with a technology, considering the pattern system’s layout rules. A graph sequence is composed of graphs. An example of a graph sequence is a sequence of measured quantities (a measurable record) that can be interpreted as a symbol sequence (i.e. text) created with Morse code. Another example of a graph sequence is an inscription (in its physical reality) that represents a symbol sequence (i.e. text) according to the symbol set, syntax and layout rules of a script. The concept of a graph sequence in pattern evolution research is analogous to a fossil in biological evolution |
Inscription | A particular case of the graph sequence where the pattern system is a script used to create the graph sequence. In this case, the graph sequence is an engraving or a written text |
Layout rules | A feature of pattern systems, they regulate the appearance of a graph sequence representing the realisation of a symbol sequence with a given technology. Suppose the used pattern system is a script. In that case, the layout rules describe some properties of the script, such as rendering rules (alignment, placement), emphasis (highlighting), text separation (e.g. by parallel lines) and overall appearance of the inscription |
Symbol | A symbol can be a grapheme (having a sound value or meaning), a tamga (having a specific meaning, e.g. property mark) or a decorative sign (having a specific decorative function) |
Symbol sequence | A data sequence of symbols belonging to a pattern system, edited according to the syntax and layout rules of the pattern system. An example of the symbol sequence is a message created with Morse code or a text created using a specific script. The concept of symbol sequence in pattern evolution research is analogous to the genetic stock of an organism in biological evolution |
Syntax | It refers to the syntactic rules that govern the formation of symbol sequences in pattern systems, including punctuation, hyphenation, writing direction, and line order |