[smc-discuss] Dot-Reph character in the keyboard layout

[Baiju M]

On Sun, Mar 2, 2014 at 9:04 PM, Baiju M <baiju.m.mail at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Sun, Mar 2, 2014 at 8:35 PM, Rajeesh K Nambiar
> <rajeeshknambiar at gmail.com> wrote:
>> On Sun, Mar 2, 2014 at 4:02 PM, Baiju M <baiju.m.mail at gmail.com> wrote:
> [...snip...]
>>> So what is the SMC recommended non-phonetic input method for Malayalam ?
>>>
>>> If Inscript cannot be modified further, how do we address
>>> these kind of issues ? Can we create another one which is compatible with
>>> Inscript.  (When I say "compatible", I mean retain existing Malayalam
>>> character position in the layout and add new characters in the unused positions)
>>>
>>> Is there any other characters that need to be added ?
>>> (Dot-Reph, Rupee symbol or anything else ?)
>>
>> Rupee symbol is already added, saw that in the files.
>
> Okay. Hrishi mentioned me that Rupee symbol could be based on this:
> http://tdil.mit.gov.in/pdf/keyboard/keyboard%20standard2.pdf

I think SMC should take a stand on Dot-Reph character for the
non-phonetic input method.
These are three possibilities that I can think about.

1. Do not include Dot-Reph character in the non-phonetic input method

    Reason: The Dot-Reph character is not used in the Malayalam
language anymore?

2. Do in include Dot-Reph character in the Inscript input method

    Reason: This is good for "forward compatibility" with a future
version of Inscript
    (Any amendment from Govt. of India like Rupee symbol).  For example,
    if Govt. propose to include any new character in the ">" (or any
other position we chose)
    position, that's going to break the existing layout.

3. Create a new Inscript like input method with Dot-Reph character with
    backward compatibility.  So, retain existing Malayalam character positions
    in the layout and add Dot-Reph in an unused position, say ">".
    This is not forward compatible with Inscript.

    Reason: Useful for those who working on old Malayalam text
    See this bug report: https://bugzilla.wikimedia.org/show_bug.cgi?id=43854

Please let me know your thoughts on this.

Regards,
Baiju M