Vowel Pointing
Vowel pointing is a system used in some languages, particularly in Hebrew and Arabic, to indicate vowel sounds in written texts. These languages primarily use consonants in their scripts, making vowel pointing essential for proper pronunciation and understanding. Vowel points are typically represented by small marks or dots placed above or below the consonants.
In Hebrew, vowel pointing is known as nikud, while in Arabic, it is referred to as harakat. These markings help readers, especially children or those learning the language, to accurately pronounce words. Vowel pointing is often omitted in everyday writing, as fluent speakers can infer the correct vowels from context.