Thread: Compatible fonts for Karen

I'm facing a project into Karen to be done in MemSource and was wondering whether I need to ask it to replace the target font or not. Also, any experience of what would be a suitable font for such a strange set of characters?
Thanks!

Hi Gentle
How you doing?
Well, I did Karen some time ago... I think the most familiar fonts for Karen are the Zawgyi familiy...
I´d try by filling in with this font in the blank space you have when requested about particular fonts.

I usually do this for Chinese, Burmese, Karen, etc.

Anyways, once the project is "Complete" I always send the document in its original file format to the native translator, to make sure everything looks fine. I even asked them to create a pdf for me, to be 100% sure Im sending a correct version to client...

Let me know if this works...

Hi Ana Laura, I agree with you. When it comes to handle translations into languages with complex symbols like Karen, I usually have the final word file revised by the translator (Another solution would be learning Karen)

Gentle, I usually use the KNU Font for Karen in particular.

However, After having done projects into Burmese and Karen, I find memsource more..."friendly" with Burmese, in terms of preserving the complexity.

Thank you both for your tips!

I finally uploaded the files with a mix of both of you. I took from Ana Laura the tip on asking MemSource to replace the font, and from Nabyl I picked the KNU. It worked fine but only for both MS Word versions (either the MS Word side-by-side or the final completed output). It wasn't the same for the editor (neither the Web, nor the desktop one). It seems MemSource's team is working on enabling these languages with more unusual characters shortly. This means translators will be able to see characters the right way even on the MemXliff file.

Oh, I see.
So, gentle, you are saying you could see it well on the MS Word files but you couldn´t see the text correctly in the xliff, either the editor or the online version...?

You cannot see the text correctly in the xliff because these are different chars that only turns readable with KNU font (or another font for Karen, I don't know other), you see, for example "XAtpSRvXtd.'D;w>ymyeD.AvXw" and this is a Karen phrase that you can see applying the KNU font, Memsource doesn't have KNU font in its editor.

Ahhh, that makes all sense now Salvador.
Thank you for the explanation, that helps a lot!! So, I guess that applies for most "rare" languages? like Karen, Burmese...

I confirm you are right Salvador. For instance, from this "XAtpSRvXtd.'D;w>ymyeD.AvXw" you can get the karen symbols applying the KNU.
AnaLaura, it does apply for burmese as well, even though I consider Karen much more "tricky".

MemSource Support is trying to fix this bug in the editor, but they need a Unicode font (which KNU is not!). I've googled and found Padauk may apply; however, I'm not 100% sure whether it is Unicode or not. SEAlang Library Burmese - Karen - Mon - Shan Font Notes

Let me know if you have any other to suggest.

Hi guys
thank you for the bonus track
We know that in the meantime, it´s safe to send translators the complete version so that they can make sure everything looks as it should be