Blog – Script Encoding Initiative

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Explore the work of the Script Encoding Initiative at UC Berkeley. Stay connected with our mission to support linguistic diversity through research and technology.

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News on SEI and our collaborations with linguistic communities, conferences, etc.

Posts from experts sharing their insights on script preservation and Unicode encoding.

Latest research reports, studies, and articles on script history and encoding.

In-depth looks at the scripts we are encoding and updates on new scripts being considered for Unicode.

Get to know the people behind SEI and their roles in preserving and encoding scripts.

Bringing Writing to its Digital Counterpart: Designing a New Course in Script Technologies

Vyshantha Simha, 2026

Guest Contributions

In Memoriam: Fredrick Brennan

Debbie Anderson, 2026

SEI Updates

Interview with Kyra Ann Dawkins: On Language & Storytelling

SEI Team, 2026

Interviews

Title slide of the Language 4R presentation by Kyra Ann Dawkins

Interview with Isabelle Zaugg: On Explorations of Global Language Justice

SEI Team, 2026

Interviews

Global Language Justice Book Cover covered in small intricate black and white scripts

A Newcomer’s Impressions on the World of Script Encoding

Helena Kansa, 2026

Research Insights

Group picture of the participants of the Ancient writing systems, typography and encoding workshop at the University of Liege

SEI in 2026: Scripts, Strategies, and Open Questions

Anushah Hossain, 2026

SEI Updates

World’s Writing Systems Poster - U14.0 Chronological

From Stone to Screen: Designing a Maya Hieroglyphs Typeface from the Classic Period

Alexandre Bassi, 2025

Script Features

Vector drawing of the front of Stela D Maya monument in Copán (Honduras)

Interview with Toral Cowieson: On Stewardship of the Unicode Consortium

SEI Team, 2025

Interviews

Toral Cowieson on the cover of MultiLingual magazine

Reflections on the 2025 Unicode Technology Workshop

Anushah Hossain, 2025

SEI Updates

Bird's eye image of ARTEM, school of Art, Management, and Technology, in Nancy, France

Interview with Neil Patel: Surfacing the Market for African Fonts

SEI Team, 2025

Interviews

Image of the Kigelia - A typeface for africa font booklet

Typewriters, Script, and Modernity in India

Karthik Malli, 2025

Guest Contributions

A rough illustration of the various levels of Malayalam script simplification

Invisible Connectors: ZWJs and ZWNJs from Arabic to Emoji

Bryce Hoenigman, 2025

Guest Contributions

Photo from the surroundings of Stanford’s Cecil H Green Library

The Making of a Unicode Release: A Peek Inside Unicode 17.0

Anushah Hossain, 2025

Script Features

cover page of the Unicode Standard 17.0 - Core Specification

Introducing the 2025-26 Research Fellows: Studies in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Nigeria

Anushah Hossain, 2025

SEI Updates

The dish is decorated with hammered designs and depicts a mermaid in the center with a forked scaly tail and wearing a crown, encircled by nsibidi symbols.

Interview with Charles Riley: The Long Road to African Script Support in Information Systems

SEI Team, 2025

Interviews

In memoriam: Andrew West

Debbie Anderson, 2025

SEI Updates

Interview with Oreen Yousuf: Researching African Scripts from a Distance

SEI Team, 2025

Interviews

Nolence Mwangwego teaching a classroom the Mwangwego script at a chalkboard

Interview with Jan Kučera: On the Promises and Perils of Script Encoding

SEI Team, 2025

Interviews

Preserving Heritage in the Digital Age: The Bété Digital Inclusion Project

Adam Yeo, 2025

Guest Contributions

Fieldwork Fellowship

Handwritten Bété script by Frédéric Bruly Bouabré and first version of the Bété typographic character

Lampung Script and the People: Reflection from my SEI fieldwork in Sumatra

Ariq Syauqi, 2025

Guest Contributions

Fieldwork Fellowship