Creating a new script is only half the challenge. The real question is: how do you make it work on computers, phones, and the internet? This is where the story of **PUA codepoints** begins — a quiet but powerful corner of the Unicode standard that made Yapiri possible.

What is Unicode?

Unicode is the universal standard that gives every character — from English letters to Chinese hanzi, emojis, and ancient symbols — a unique number (codepoint). This allows computers worldwide to understand and display text consistently.

However, not every possible writing system has official codepoints yet. This is especially true for newly created indigenous scripts.

Enter the Private Use Area (PUA)

The Unicode Standard reserves a special range of codepoints called the **Private Use Area** (PUA), specifically in the ranges U+E000 to U+F8FF and two larger planes. These numbers are intentionally left undefined by Unicode.

Anyone can use them for their own purposes. Think of them as blank canvases in the vast Unicode universe.

Tech Note PUA codepoints allow custom scripts like Yapiri to function immediately while waiting for official Unicode encoding — which can take many years.

Why Yapiri Chose PUA

When designing Yapiri, we had two options:

We chose the second path. Every Yapiri glyph lives in the PUA range. This decision allowed us to release the font quickly, create keyboards, and let the community start using it immediately.

"A script that cannot be typed today cannot preserve a language tomorrow."

— Design philosophy of Yapiri

How It Actually Works

When you install the Yapiri font, it maps each glyph to a specific PUA codepoint. For example, the glyph for /k/ might be assigned U+E008. When you type that code, the font displays the correct Yapiri character.

This system works beautifully on any device with the font installed. It enables full typing, copying, and sharing of Yapiri text today.

 Behind the scenes: PUA in action These beautiful forms are powered by invisible codepoints

The Future: From PUA to Official Encoding

PUA is not a permanent home — it is a bridge. The long-term goal is to submit Yapiri for official Unicode encoding so it can work everywhere without needing a special font. Until then, PUA gives us the freedom to grow and improve the script rapidly.

The Heart of the Matter

Using PUA codepoints was a practical, courageous choice. It reflects our belief that our language should not have to wait for permission to exist in the digital world. Yapiri exists today because we chose action over waiting.

Every time you type in Yapiri, you are participating in a quiet revolution — proving that indigenous languages can be fully modern while staying deeply rooted in their own identity.

The glyphs may live in private codepoints for now, but the dream they carry is very public: a future where Kokborok thrives, written beautifully and proudly by its people.