Is there a typographic difference between a or i with ogonek versus a or i with retroflex hook? If I'm looking at a sample, what are the distinguishing characteristics that I can use to determine whether I'm seeing an ogonek or a retroflex hook?
The normative form of a retroflex hook is a straight descending stroke with a hook to the right; the straight descending portion typically forms an extension of the main vertical stem of a letter, replacing any serifs that might normally occur at the base of that stem (see, for example, the d with retroflex hook, U+0256. Although I do not recall seeing any examples of a or i with retroflex hook, I know how I would draw them, based on the model established by d and other letters. I would replace the normal termination of the main vertical stem of each letter, and attach the retroflex hook as a straight continuation of this stem (the i with retroflex hook would end up looking something like a reversed j).
This is quite different from the ogonek, which is a curved form throughout with no straight ascender. The ogonek does not typically replace serif terminations, but attaches to the existing lettershape either as an appendage (E, I, i, O, o, U) or as a reversed stroke coming back off the terminal of a letter (a, e, u). The only exception is in the uppercase A, in which the ogonek may replace the *inside* serif of the lower right termination. For more information see http://studweb.euv-frankfurt-o.de/twardoch/f/en/typo/ogonek/
John Hudson
Tiro Typeworks www.tiro.com Vancouver, BC [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Alone among the news networks, Jazeera gives you the impression there is a war going on, rather than a series of press conferences. http://www.reason.com/hod/tc032403.shtml
