Newa Unicode Block

The Newa Unicode block is a designated range of characters in the Unicode standard, specifically crafted to support the Newa script. The Newa script, also known as Nepālākṣara, is an abugida used historically in Nepal for writing the Newar language, alongside classical Nepalbhasa literature. With its intricately curved shapes and distinct stylistic features, the Newa script is emblematic of the Newar culture and its rich history. Positioned in the Unicode range of U+11400 to U+1147F, the block comprises a set of characters, including independent vowels, consonants, various signs, and numerals, facilitating digital communication and documentation of languages historically scripted in Newa.

Initiated in Unicode version 9.0, the inclusion of the Newa block underscores the imperative of digital preservation and accessibility of historical scripts across modern technological platforms. Its design supports a range of diacritical marks that accommodate the script’s need for representing vowel sounds attached to consonants, as well as diverse conjunct forms. This digital facilitation enables the accurate rendering of traditional texts and allows Newar speakers and scholars to engage with their linguistic heritage in the digital age. The adoption of the Newa Unicode block thus augments cultural heritage preservation efforts and accents the inclusive scope of Unicode in embracing global linguistic diversity.

View a range of fonts that support the Newa block.

Below you will find all the characters that are in the Newa unicode block. Currently there are 97 characters in this block.