Do symmetrical letter pairs affect readability?
Alexandra Wiebelt
Our everyday experience shows that we have problems in recognizing objects which only differ their symmetry properties (street signs with two arrows different directions or mathematical such as 〈 and 〉). Perception is closely correlated an inner comparison: the perceived object its surrounding, former so on. The brain has evolved constancy abilities (e.g. colour constancy) one of them constancy. This makes it possible to perceive regardless orientation space. Symmetric letter pairs sound representations (such 〈b〉 〈d〉) are, due constancy, typically identified object. deficiency distinctiveness should affect readability. above hypothesis was examined many scripts. result mature scripts (which usually developed for a long time) avoid these symmetric (called extrinsic symmetry) by adding distinctive features serifs stroke thickness. On other hand, if writer allowed invent shapes freely, he use symmetrical pairs. supposed aesthetic reasons — letters are often standing even “body” on plane. It therefore statistically separate show up no from invented full symmetry. runes writing system does not quite fit this widely proved distinction. They Latin (or close relative it) inherited avoidance reduction character set 24 Old Futhark 16 characters Younger accompanied simplification runic signs. During period develop high degree Moreover, related representations. These irregularities usage may be caused interference system. resulting lesser readability could been reason decline runes. paper figures graphs how emerges under what circumstances used create new shapes.
Written Language and Literacy