The New Tai Lue script, also known as Xishuangbanna Dai script, is an abugida used by the Tai Lü people in Yunnan, China, and in parts of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. It is a modern adaptation and simplification of the traditional Tai Tham script (also known as Old Tai Lue), designed to improve literacy among the Tai Lü populace. The script was developed in the mid-20th century as part of an effort to promote education and preserve the cultural identity of the Tai Lü community. Its characters are derived from the more complex forms of the Tai Tham script, with modifications aimed at reducing the number of diacritical marks and thus making it easier to learn and use in everyday situations.
New Tai Lue is recognized in Unicode, providing a standardized digital representation essential for the modern exchange of information. It efficiently handles both the tonal and syllabic nature of the Tai Lü language, allowing for accurate written communication. The script is characterized by its elliptical and curvilinear forms, with consonants that contain implicit vowels and additional vowel markers that modify or reinforce these inherent sounds. A full understanding of the script requires a familiarity with its phonological system, which includes aspects such as tone and vowel length important to meaning in Tai Lü. The Unicode block for New Tai Lue ranges from U+1980 to U+19DF, making it accessible for digital communication and preserving its use for future generations.
Below you will find all the characters that are in the 'New Tai Lue' unicode script category. Currently there are 83 characters in this category.