Arabic type from a multicultural perspective: multi-script Latin-Arabic type design

摘要

Multiculturalism constitutes a mixture of expressions where languages are fundamental, not only as the vehicular form of thought, but also as a powerful tool for social cohesion and relationships within a community. Languages are often the first barrier encountered when communicating or relating to other culture. Whereas, typography can provide valid solutions, not only in terms of text layout but also regarding the specific aspects of multilingualism: the design of glyphs for multilingual text composition. Type design is at the core of how communication takes place in our multicultural society. As multilingual communication becomes more apparent, the need for multi-script fonts including more than a single script is unquestionable. This practice-based research focuses on the designing of a multi script Latin-Arabic typeface for literary reading text purposes based on an understanding of Arabic script in order for the result obtained to be respectful of the tradition of Arabic calligraphy. The approach to Arabic has been carried out taking into account the Spanish Arabic tradition from a study on the Arabic types which were designed and in use in Spain during the Printing Press years. The methodology proposed tries to complete every stage in the work process, from sketching to final font production, with the aim of harmonising both Latin and Arabic scripts in the same font file: Pradell Al-Andalus. Pradell Al-Andalus, although not designed to be a revival of any specific Arabic Spanish typeface, establishes a link with Spanish type History in order to build a bridge between tradition and our contemporary multilingual needs.