Re: Language Patterns and Script

[Harlan Messinger <hmessinger.removethis@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dr. Jamshid Ibrahim wrote:
> It is only because Arabic is a language of patterns or model structures
> ie functions by depending heavily on patterns that a consonantal script
> is possible. The Arabs use three consonants for model building:  ل  ع
> ف
> - Verbal patterns: basic and derived forms
> - Plurals
> - Adjectives
> - Other patterns
>
> My questions:
> 1. Would you agree with this claim. If not. why?

T syms abvys tw my tht nglsh cd gt alng jst fn wth cnsnts and a fw 
matres lectiones (adapting a, w, y to function somewhat like alif, waw, 
yaa). But in Arabic the vowel patterns probably help avoid the ambiguity 
possible in English.

> 2. To me all languages depend on patterns and script has nothing to do
> with it.

The issue seems to be whether the viability of a script depends on the 
patterns, not whether the patterns result from having a particular 
script as seems to be your interpretation.

> However, when we know a pattern we can predict the vowels
> easily, dispense with them and use shorthand script