Developing a common script for all Indian languages, similar to the ancient Tamizhi (Tamil-Brahmi) script, is an ambitious project that can enhance linguistic unity, ease of learning, and digital standardization across India. Below are the key considerations for designing such a script:
1. Key Features of a Common Indian Script
- Phonetic Representation: The script must be phonetically rich to accommodate the diverse sounds of Indian languages (e.g., retroflex consonants, aspirated sounds).
- Minimal Character Set: Should have a minimal but comprehensive set of characters, avoiding redundant symbols.
- Easy Adaptation: Must allow modification for regional pronunciation variations without losing structure.
- Simple and Logical Structure: Inspired by Tamizhi, Devanagari, and other scripts, it should be easy to learn and write.
- Standardized Digital Encoding: Designed for seamless digital processing, Unicode support, and AI applications.
2. Steps to Develop the Common Script
Step 1: Analyze Existing Indian Scripts
- Study the Brahmi-based scripts (Devanagari, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, etc.) and their phonetic similarities.
- Identify common letters and eliminate redundant ones.
Step 2: Design the Core Alphabets
- A basic set of vowels (12-15) and consonants (30-35) covering all Indian phonetic sounds.
- Standardized matras (vowel signs), conjunct formations, and diacritics.
Step 3: Create a Simplified Writing System
- Use a semi-syllabic approach (similar to Devanagari and Tamil) that allows easy writing and reading.
- Ensure horizontal and vertical symmetry for clarity.
- Develop a script structure similar to Tamizhi, which avoids excessive loops and complex conjuncts.
Step 4: Test with Regional Adaptation
- Pilot the script with speakers of different Indian languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, etc.).
- Modify characters if certain phonemes are not well-represented.
Step 5: Standardization & Unicode Integration
- Develop a Unicode encoding system.
- Work with linguists and government bodies for national adoption.
3. Benefits of a Common Indian Script
- Eases Communication: Enables inter-state communication without script barriers.
- Boosts Education: Makes it easier for students to learn multiple languages.
- Simplifies Digital Processing: A single script reduces the need for multiple fonts and keyboards.
- Preserves Linguistic Identity: Unlike imposing one language, it retains multiple languages but unifies their writing system.
4. Challenges & Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Resistance from regions with strong script identity (Tamil, Bengali, etc.) | Keep native scripts alive while promoting the common script as a secondary universal script |
| Difficulty in learning a new script | Use gradual educational integration, starting with government documents and media |
| Encoding complexities | Work with Unicode Consortium for a structured implementation |
5. Example of Common Script Based on Tamizhi
| Sound | Tamizhi-Based Common Script | Equivalent in Other Scripts |
|---|---|---|
| Ka (க/क) | ⟨𑀓⟩ | க, क, ਕ, ક |
| Ta (ட/ट) | ⟨𑀢⟩ | ட, ट, ట, ത |
| Ma (ம/म) | ⟨𑀫⟩ | ம, म, ਮ, મ |
| A (அ/अ) | ⟨𑀅⟩ | அ, अ, అ, അ |
This script could be tested, refined, and introduced alongside existing regional scripts.
