Characteristics of English, Chinese and Arabic Typefaces

Abstract

This study attempts to identify the personalities associated with various fonts. We focused on the English typefaces and their personality traits. By conducting a font survey, 71 participants rated the 6 personality traits (Legible, Artistic, Formal, Sloppy, Readable, and Attractive) of 24 English typefaces using a modified five point Likert Scale. For the Chinese and Arabic fonts, we present their typographical characteristics against the English typefaces. Personalities associated with them are presented in tables and the characteristics of Chinese and Arabic typefaces are compared with the English counterparts.