How to write in Gallifreyan (Doctor Who) (with pictures)

Many die-hard fans of the Doctor Who TV series love the idea of writing with the Lords of the Times alphabet. The creators of the series never made the official language or alphabet, but the most popular and widely accepted version by fans is known as "circular gallifreyan." It may seem quite confusing at first, but the symbols of the circular gallifreyan alphabet follow most of the writing rules of our language.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Learning the Structure of the Alphabet

Step 1. Understand the basic settings

Instead of being based on letters or characters, like Spanish, the circular gallifreyan is based, as its name implies, on circles. The symbols that make up the letters are grouped into larger circles to make words. Several circles of words are grouped into even larger circles to form sentences.

A Doctor Who fan, whose name is Loren Sherman, was the one who created the Gallifreyan alphabet. He created this form of writing in order to transform English words in such a way as to mimic the artistic representations of The Doctor's native language, Gallifreyan. It is not a real language and is not used in the series

Step 2. Find an alphabet primer on the Internet

There are many resources online that you can print to have your own references for Gallifreyan writing. You may find Sherman's official page useful, as there are guides for writing words, calculations and music in circular gallifreyan. You can find these resources at www.shermansplanet.com.

The general guide to writing gallifreyan has three different primers and a brief explanation of the numbers. One chart shows the consonants, another the vowels, and the third the punctuation marks.
If you don't have a printer and can't print the assets, you could keep them open in a window on your computer or open them in your phone's browser. In this way, when you practice writing the words, you will be able to compare them with the references of the gallifreyan symbols.

Step 3. Know the four symbols for consonants and the five diacritical marks

A diacritical mark is used to add meaning, accent, or emphasis to a letter. In circular gallifreyan there are four basic symbols that are used to represent consonants. These symbols can be written on their own, or you can add a diacritical mark or another to modify their basic meaning and turn it into another consonant.

With the four consonant symbols and the five diacritical marks, in total there are twenty-four consonants in Gallifreyan, a number slightly higher than the Spanish alphabet of twenty-two consonants. The reason gallifreyan has more symbols representing consonants is because it uses a graphic alphabet rather than one based on characters or letters. Because of this, it has special symbols for letter combinations: th, sh, ch, ng, and qu.
The circular gallifreyan does not use the letter C. If you try to write a word with that letter, use the consonant whose sound is closest to it. For example, the word 'home' would be written 'kasa' and the word 'office' would be written 'office'.
The four basic consonant symbols, without any diacritical marks, represent the letters B, J, T, and the combination TH. By adding the appropriate diacritical marks, for example a couple of dots, you will transform those four basic symbols into any other consonant.

Step 4. Memorize the four consonant symbols

It will take some time before you memorize the shape and feel comfortable drawing the consonant symbols. You'd better take some time to practice drawing each consonant symbol so that you feel comfortable using them to write your first practice word. To improve memorization, you may want to try drawing the consonant reference chart from memory.

The consonant B is in the shape of a complete circle with a small gap at the bottom. By adding a diacritical mark, you can transform this symbol into the letters CH, D, F, G, and H.
The consonant J is in the shape of a complete circle placed within the larger circles that make up words. By adding a diacritical mark to it, you can transform this symbol into the letters K, L, M, N, and P.
The consonant T is shaped like a horseshoe with the opening facing the perimeter of the circle that makes up the word. By adding a diacritical mark, you can transform this symbol into the letters R, S, V, W and the combination SH.
The combination TH, used in English, is in the form of a complete circle with a horizontal line in the center. By adding a diacritical mark, you can transform this symbol into the letters X, Y, Z and the combinations NG and QU.

Step 5. Memorize the five diacritical marks

Each of the basic symbols to represent consonants can be transformed into different letters by means of a diacritical mark. Each symbol can only have one diacritical mark that modifies it. The following is a brief description of the five diacritical marks and the letters they create:

The first diacritical mark is represented by a colon. This can be applied to the basic symbols of consonants to form the letters K and Y, as well as the combinations CH and SH.
The second diacritical mark is represented by three dots. This can be applied to the basic symbols of consonants to form the letters D, L, R and Z.
The third diacritical mark is represented by three vertical lines. It can be applied to the basic symbols to form the letters F, M and S, as well as the combination NG.
The fourth diacritical mark is a single vertical line. It can be applied to the basic symbols of consonants to form the letters G, N, V and QU.
The fifth and last diacritical mark is represented by two vertical lines. It can be applied to the basic symbols of consonants to form the letters H, P, W and X.

Step 6. Familiarize yourself with the vowels of the gallifreyan

This language uses the same vowels as the Spanish alphabet: A, E, I, O, U. These vowels are represented as small circles that either float freely or are located within or on the perimeter of a symbol that represents a consonant.

The vowel A is a small circle that must be placed under the perimeter of the symbol it modifies, but without touching it.
The vowel E is a small circle that must be placed in the center of the symbol it modifies.
The vowel I is a small circle that must be placed in the center of the symbol it modifies. However, the letter I will also need a line that comes from some point on its perimeter and points inward, to the center of the circle that the word forms.
The vowel O is a small circle that must be placed in the highest part of the perimeter of the symbol it modifies.
The vowel U is a small circle that must be placed in the center of the symbol it modifies. In addition, it should have a line that comes from some point on its perimeter and extends outward, away from the center of the circle that the word forms.

Step 7. Attach the vowels to the consonants in any way you like

In gallifreyan, the vowels can be represented either as autonomous circles, well attached to the preceding consonants. Like many people have different types of writing, there are several different ways you can create intricate patterns with Gallifreyan writing that are unique to you.

By connecting the vowels with the preceding consonants, you get the benefit of greater consistency with the gallifreyan symbols, which probably makes your writing easier to read. Autonomous vowels can be more confusing to read at first, but they can allow for more intricate patterns.
Autonomous vowels generally only occur when the word begins with a vowel. In this case, the orientation of the vowel will be in relation to the perimeter of the largest circle that contains all the letters together to form a word: the letter A will float just outside it, the letters E, I and U will rest on the perimeter and the letter O will float inside.
Shorter words will have fewer vowels. By keeping your vowels autonomous, you can make your vowels look more aesthetically pleasing. Autonomous vowels can also make some words easier to read.

Step 8. When you write, follow a circular pattern

Each word should start with a circle that is about the same size as a regular mug. Once you perfect the gallifreyan, you can adapt the size of the circles that make up the words; But for now, a cup-sized circle will give you room to make mistakes. This circle will contain all the symbols (letters) that make up the word. The first symbol will occupy the bottom of the circle. The following symbols should be written around the circle, counterclockwise, until the word is completed.

Complicated words may need larger circles. Try to arrange the symbols around the circle so that the space between them is uniform; this will create a better balance in the overall appearance of the words

Step 9. Remember the stylistic rules for reading and writing gallifreyan

It is best to write the words with the same spelling that you would normally use in Spanish, except for a few pairs of consonants in which a gallifreyan symbol represents two letters. Other irregularities that you should take into account are the following:

The reading order starts at the bottom and continues counterclockwise. Thus, for example, in a circle that forms a sentence, the first word will be at the bottom and the circle that forms the next word will be counterclockwise and so on. In a circle containing symbols to make a word, the first letter will be at the bottom end and the next letter will be counterclockwise, and so on.
The intertwining of letters and words. Doing so will make your Gallifreyan writing look more authentic. In particular, the symbols used for the consonants R, S, T, V and W, as well as the combination SH, can be extended through the circles that make up words and sentences to connect the letters of the same word or the words of the same sentence.
The use of double circles for double letters. You can use double circles to indicate double vowels or consonants. For example, the word cooperate will use a double circle for the O. When dealing with words in another language, such as English, you may want to keep the double circles separate in shorter words, such as bee, took) and foot. Writing both double consonants in shorter words will give them a more intricate appearance.

Part 2 of 3: Write Sentences and Paragraphs

Step 1. Indicate the sentences with large duplicated circles

In gallifreyan, sentences have a similar behavior to words. Just as the symbols representing the letters are grouped in medium circles to form words, the words are grouped in large duplicate circles to form sentences. In each circle that makes up a sentence, the bottom circle represents the first word in the sentence. The next circle, counterclockwise indicates the next word and so on.

Two circles will constitute the perimeter of the circumference of the sentence. These two circles should be drawn differently. The outer circle should have mostly smooth arches with perhaps one or two curved inner sides. The inner circle should have random inner notches to give the gallifreyan a more intricate appearance.
The inner and outer parts of the circles that make up the sentences are used to express punctuation and connection. The inner circle is where you will add punctuation marks for a sentence. The outer circle, although primarily circular, should follow the notches created in some places on the inner circle. This will create one or more inner curves in which you can place other connected circles that represent sentences.
The circular gallifreyan uses standard punctuation marks. For example, the points you put in the inner circles with the notches will always be after the circle that represents the last word. Punctuation marks should always be immediately before or after the circles representing the words.

Step 2. Use a scorecard

To write gallifreyan effortlessly, you will need to spend some time memorizing the symbols it uses. Until then, you may want to print a scorecard or copy it by hand onto a blank sheet of paper. There are several resources online and downloadable versions are available on Sherman's Planet.

To create a point, draw an open circle on the inner ring of the circle that makes up the sentence.
To create a question mark, draw two floating points near the inside of the inner circle of the sentence, without touching it.
To create an exclamation point, draw three dots near the inside of the inner circle of the sentence without touching it.
To create quotation marks, draw a single line oriented away from the center of the sentence circle.
To create apostrophes, draw two lines oriented away from the center of the sentence circle.
To create a dash, draw three lines oriented away from the center of the sentence circle.
To create a comma, draw a solid or solid dot on the inner ring of the sentence circle.
To create a semicolon, I draw a single closed period that floats close to but does not touch the inner ring of the sentence circle.
Create the two points with a double circumference (one circle within another) on the inner ring of the sentence circle.

Step 3. Connect the prayer circles like a Lord of the Times

They have a very fluid idea about time and this is a central concept for the Gallifreyan culture. In the Doctor Who universe some events are more likely than others, but for most events there are several possible outcomes. You can emulate this in your writing by connecting the sentences so that each one has multiple branches. This will represent the multiple possibilities of each of the sentences.

For example, you may want to explore the different aspects of the central idea. To do this, you could write that idea in a circle and branch it to the right in different chains. These strings would represent the explored aspects of the idea

Part 3 of 3: Write a Gallifreyan Word

Step 1. Gather some circular objects

A sturdy compass is perhaps the most versatile tool you can use to draw circles of various sizes. However, you may find it more convenient to locate household items, such as the bottom of a glass or bottle, circular lids, large coins, canning jars, etc.

Circular objects don't have to be perfect. You may want to try your own elongated variation of gallifreyan that uses an oval shape as a base.
You could also rotate between a number of different circular shapes when you draw the circles to represent the words. For example, the first word could be bordered by a circle, the second by a wide oval, and the third by a tall oval.

Step 2. Use a sharp pencil and a quality eraser

If you are still getting used to drawing the Gallifreyan alphabet symbols, it is probably best to write them in pencil so that you can erase any mistakes. Once you've finished writing your message, you can always go over the pencil strokes with a pen to give them a professional appearance.

As you type in Gallifreyan, you may want to keep the alphabet and punctuation pages open in your computer or phone browser. You could also print the alphabet and punctuation forms, or copy them by hand onto a blank sheet of paper. Sherman's Planet, the home of the circular gallifreyan, has many resources you could use

Step 3. Try to write “doctor” in gallifreyan

First, use a compass, lid, or other round object to draw the circumference of the word. All the letters (symbols) for the word "doctor" will be around this circumference. The first letter starts at the bottom of the circle. On the alphabet chart, the first letter, D, should look like a circle with a gap at the bottom. First draw a circle inside the circumference that will contain the word, at the bottom. Then you can erase a small portion at the base of the circle (letter) to create the void. Then you will have to add a diacritical mark to change the letter from B to D. The D is represented by three floating points inside the circle, but without touching it.

In the primer, you may notice that the basic symbol for the letter D looks like a horseshoe with horizontal lines emerging from its tips to the left and right. When you write the symbol, you should not draw these horizontal lines; These represent the circle that will contain the word, within which you will draw the letter

Step 4. Draw an O

Within the circumference that will contain the word, counterclockwise, dock an open circle to the upper right portion of the circumference. If you think of the circle as the mask of a watch, you should dock the symbol for the O plus or minus in place of the two. Remember, vowels are usually coupled to preceding consonants.

When thinking about the location of a vowel, imagine the dotted grid that represents the location of vowels as shown in your vowel chart. Then imagine the basic symbol for the consonant that you will write. Overlap the vowel with the consonant, so that the circles fit together. This will show you roughly where in the consonant you should flatten the vowel.
Letter symbols should always move around the circumference that contains the word counterclockwise. As the outside of the circle fills in, spiral into the center of the circle.

Step 5. Create the letter C

In this case you are going to use a K. Remember, the gallifreyan does not use the letter C, so whenever you need to write a C, you must replace it with a K or an S depending on the sound the C makes. Keep moving in the opposite direction to clock along the circumference that will contain the word; draw a floating circle on the right side. This circle should be close to the circumference that will contain the word, but not touching it. Then add two solid points inside the floating circle. This floating circle with two solid points inside represents K.

The points inside the K can be arranged in any way you want. However, you may find that by orienting the diacritical marks, in this case the solid points, in the direction of the next letter, it will be easier for you to read your writing in Gallifreyan.
At this point, you should have a large circle with a small opening at the bottom. On both sides of the opening a circle emerges. On the right hand, at the top, is an open circle. Counterclockwise (to the right), there will be a circle with two solid points inside. These symbols represent the letters "doc."

Step 6. Take much of the circumference that the word contains to make the letter T

Keep moving counterclockwise; At the top left, draw a semicircle with internal curvature. If you think of the circumference as a mask on a clock, this would be the 2 o'clock position. Then erase the outer edge of the circumference, the part between the ends of the semicircle.

Make sure the opening of the T symbol is wide so it won't be confused with another letter. The shape of the letter B is similar, except it has a narrower opening at the base

Step 7. Make the letter O again

This vowel is again preceded by a consonant, so you must couple it to the symbol of the T. Continue with the reading style counterclockwise and place an open circle (representing the letter O) along the upper left portion of the semicircle with inner curvature (representing the letter T).

Step 8. Create the last letter, R

Take much of the circumference that contains the word and draw an internally curved semicircle at the top left. Along the outside of the semicircle, place three solid dots to make an R. This completes the word "doctor."