Diacritics Manifesto



 A friend recently draw my attention to these small but essential signs in Romanian. 

Lots of languages have diacritics. What's special about this one is that it can allow you to write the same sound in the same format: for example, "s" in "some" will still be "s". But "sh" in "shaman" will be "ș". And its pronunciation will be the same in all other words, no matter its placement in the word.

In Romania, it is of custom to write with diacritics even on PCs. Of course, they are adapted. But when working or studying abroad, and unless one has bought their PC / Mac in Romania, one must adapt. Of course, you can add a Romanian keyboard on your "qwerty" or "azerty" PC, but you would have to remember where everything is. And then, if you work in French or English or other language (than Romanian) you don't even need that. 

So, if you have to write to a Romanian friend (in Romanian), you just don’t use diacritics. They would understand what they read - but they would also feel more connected to you if you do use them!

On your phone, it's even easier: next to your emoji, add your Ro keyboard : it will make your life easier and your friends grateful.

3 steps to follow to do so:
1.           Use diacritics when writing in Romanian
2.           Enable your Romanian keyboard/language when using your PC/Mac/iPhone/Android phone
3.           Write to your friends/ family with diacritics
4.           Enjoy the effect!  

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