View Full Version: New Maori

scriptorium >>Neographies, Cryptographies and Ciphers >>New Maori


<< Prev | Next >>

Sano- 11-11-2007
New Maori
http://www.omniglot.com/writing/newmaori.php The New Maori script is a creation of Ian James. It is an alternative to the Roman alphabet normally used for the otherwise script-less Maaori language of New Zealand. Part of the aim was to suggest a 'formal' or 'sacred' alphabet for the recording of special poems and songs, while maintaining a local aesthetic in the visual form. In the case of Maori - unlike some languages given it by missionaries - the Roman system is quite effective. So New Maori does not offer benefits of efficiency, simply those of cultural identity. Ian has done it again...created a Tengwaresque neography for a natlang. It looks very stylistic, but I think it needs a more natural evolution.

Tolkien_Freak- 11-11-2007

It does look like it belongs with Maori, though.

Sano- 11-11-2007

It does look like it belongs with Maori, though. Quite. As I said, it's very stylistic and does seem Polynesian-esque, I just think it lacks a smidgen of naturalism. Not that that is a devastatingly bad thing.

fmra- 11-11-2007

the consonants are very pretty, but the glyphs as a whole look unbalanced (very left-heavy). Also, until I saw the example, I was completely sure that it was going to be written vertically (connecting the vertical lines into one). Somewhat disappointed how it ends.

Sano- 11-16-2007

Somewhat disappointed how it ends. Kinda like a bad movie, huh?

Forumer™ is Voted #1 Free Forum Hosting provider
Build your own community today with the largest message board hosting company.