Bilingual ‘time delay’…

Wales’ bilingual solution takes longer to read than a one-language sign (Rutley 1972). This is not surprising, because increased information on a sign increases comprehension time. And the time is increased further, especially for English-speaking drivers, when Welsh is placed above English.

It does suggest the importance of differentiating our Irish place names from the English. In view of the status of the Irish language, how is a level of differentiation best achieved, whilst preserving ‘equal prominence’?

Above: Welsh/English sign

Tags: Wales, Bilingual signs, Kinneir, Design, Typographic design, Research, Colour deficiency, Colour differentiation