Mixed text harmony

Good example of balance in weight between the Ethiopic and the Latin typefaces (top two lines especially).

Due to its inherent characteristics Ethiopic text frequently appears quite heavy and thick in comparison to similarly sized Latin text. Ethiopic is also almost always found in a multi-script environment. In modern times it is rare to find unmixed, exclusively Ethiopic text particularly because a number of Ethiopian languages have adopted Latin-based orthographies–most notably Afan Oromo, the language of the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia.

Therefore, it is important for designers and users of Ethiopic typefaces in any media or format to remain aware of this tendency and select fonts appropriately so that both scripts coexist in harmony and balance.

This article formerly appeared on ScriptSource.