I progressed well with my essay as I wanted to finish it during the 3-week fieldwork period. Martin and I discussed my thesis statement and reworded it slightly to make it clearer and updated my essay plan.
“This essay examines the principles of phonetic evolution of language by considering the richness of Devanagiri script embedded through its historical evolution from the Brahmi script in the Indian sub-continent. Further using the theoretical lens of cultural hegemony and Pierces semiotics, the paper will argue for the preservation of Devanagiri’s complexity that has largely been threatened due to the socio-political script reforms imposed over the 18th and 19th century.”
Essay plan-
Introduction (400 words)
Languages and their legacy
Introducing Devanagiri script and its origins from Brāhmī.
1900’s imposed standardisation on the script.
Globalisation threatens linguistic diversity.
Chapter 1- The Phonetic Heritage of Devanagari: Evolution from Brāhmī (800 - 900)
Reflecting on ancient Ashokan inscriptions that provide valuable insights into the history of Devanagiri through Brahmi.
How Brahmi became the mother of all south asian languages.
James Princep’s study of Brahmi provides insights into its alpha-syllablic nature.
Countering statements made in Richard Soloman’s Indian Epigraphy through documented evidences of written and spoken languages in Indian subcontinent.
Phonetic principles and structured arrangement of the script that builds the argument for devanagiri’s phonetic richness
Chapter 2- Industrialisation and Script Reform: The Impact of Mergenthaler Linotype (1300)
1900’s time when India was trying to establish her place in the western dominated world, establish a national language
Print machines were being established in Brooklyn, New York - Mergenthaler Linotype
Alphabetic and syllabic scripts dominated the linotype machine typesettings.
Hari G Govil, the creator of Devanagiri linotype, proposed the devanagiri linotype model according to the printer’s capability and not according to the script.
Critiquing the proposed keyboard model as it showed a lack of diversity as it was made according to the latin script.
Reflecting upon the lack of cultural importance given to the script and its failure in the correct representation of character overlap in alpha-syllabic scripts.
Chapter 3: Semiotic Interpretation and Phonetic Richness: Reclaiming Devanagari’s Legacy (800 - 900)
Introduction to theory of semiotics and charles sanders pierces triadic model.
Understanding why, through this theory, the machine failed in correct representation of alpha-syllabic script such as devanagiri.
Concept of interpretive process, where meaning is not inherent but constructed through interpretation.
Explaining the phonetic richness of the script through the revised semantic model.
Conclusion (400 words)
Why South Asian/Alpha-syllabic scripts need their own Typesetting designed.
This essay plan flows better and is more focussed as compared to the previous plan. My research was very heavy on the industrialisation and its impact and so I wanted me essay to focus on that. Also, my research on Pierce’s semiotics was very interesting and I realised it can be a part of my essay.
Taking this ahead I started writing my essay. Along the way I realised my essay was getting quite technical and it had to incorporate visuals for more clarity. Additionally, I discussed with Martin I decided to put in a glossary at the end of my essay where I can explain some key terms that I am using without that eating up my word count.
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