Khitan Small Script Unicode Block
The Khitan Small Script unicode block is a segment of the Unicode Standard specifically allocated for the representation and digital encoding of the Khitan Small Script. This script was used by the Khitan people, who established the Liao Dynasty in Northern China from the 10th to the 12th centuries. Unlike the more widespread Khitan Large Script, the Khitan Small Script is characterized by its compact and relatively straightforward glyphs, designed for administrative purposes and everyday writings, including inscriptions on monuments and official documents. This block aims to preserve the historical and linguistic significance of the script, ensuring that digital preservation efforts can accurately reflect the historical texts and inscriptions written in the Khitan Small Script. By including it in the Unicode Standard, it helps in the study and revival of the Khitan language and its writing systems, contributing significantly to the field of historical linguistics and East Asian history.
The inclusion of Khitan Small Script within Unicode allows scholars and enthusiasts to digitally document and analyze the texts and artifacts from the Khitan culture more efficiently. Typically, the script's symbols are encoded in a range that provides sufficient code points to accommodate the unique characters used in historical Khitan writings. Through this representation, modern technology platforms, such as computers and smartphones, can correctly display and manipulate the script, which is essential for research, academic publications, and cultural heritage projects. As part of the broader effort to include lesser-known scripts in the digital realm, the Unicode block for Khitan Small Script not only aids in preventing the loss of linguistic diversity but also supports the revitalization efforts of ancient scripts that encapsulate the linguistic richness of past civilizations.
View a range of fonts that support the Khitan Small Script block.
Below you will find all the characters that are in the Khitan Small Script unicode block. Currently there are 476 characters in this block.
