Scripts to encode

SEI maintains a list of scripts that remain to be encoded in the Unicode Standard.

Each row contains basic descriptive information about a script and our assessment of its readiness for Unicode encoding. This is a subjective measure based on accordance with principles generally adhered to by the Unicode Technical Committee in the past. See ourTips for Proposals for more information on criteria for Unicode inclusion. 

We are always updating this page based on available information. Please reach out if you can provide input on any of these scripts!

Credits: Geodata for scripts was funded in part by a Google research grant. We thank Vyshantha Simha for sharing additional data!

Interactive map

Script Readiness

High

Script is nearly ready for Unicode inclusion

Preliminary proposals exist. Script is considered established and unique; community contacts, experts, and encoding strategy are likely identified, but may require some further investigation. A proposal author may Still need to be assigned.

High-readiness should be targeted in the near future or are being actively advanced by SEI or others.

Medium

Script is deemed established
and viable for Unicode inclusion

More research is required to either a) identify experts to provide review, b) Clarify the proposal strategy (e.g. to unify with existing code block or propose as new), or c) identify a proposal author.

Medium-readiness scripts are excellent candidates for advanced research projects, which can result in the advancement of a script proposal, but may require sizeable effort.

Low

Scripts are not currently considered viable for Unicode inclusion due to major barriers

Possible issues include:

  • limited evidence of adoption, durability, and/or stability
  • issues with intellectual property rights
  • limited understanding of the script and/or awaiting decipherment
  • unclear status as a writing system

Low-readiness scripts are unlikely to be funded for a full proposal by SEI until conditions drastically change, Scripts in this category are considered suitable for research reports/ Introductory proposals, or scholarship to contribute to general knowledge.

Script Name
Region
Location
Origin
Proposal Status
High/Medium/Low