Non-Latin script domain names

[Edric O]

It seems the internet will soon be upgraded to allow for domain names written in non-Latin scripts. For example, domain names in 漢字, اللغة العربية, Кириллица, or even Ελληνικό αλφάβητο.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8326241.stm

It's about time, considering that over half of all internet users have a native language that is not written in Latin script.

[Sneakgab]

Though I'm sure almost all literate people are familiar with Roman alphabet.

[MrFlibble]

Is it really going to be that useful?

[Sneakgab]

Could actually cause huge @$$ pains.

[MrFlibble]

I'd rather say it's glocalization on the march...

[Edric O]

Though I'm sure almost all literate people are familiar with Roman alphabet.

I wouldn't be so sure about that. Most literate people have seen the Latin alphabet at some point, certainly, but why would they need to understand it if their language doesn't use it? After all, I cannot read the script used to write the most widely spoken language on the planet.

Besides, if your keyboard doesn't have Latin characters on it, you may need to use complicated key combinations to type Latin script.

[SandChigger]

As far as the Japanese go, they all learn <i>r

[Kiyouta]

There were concerns that this might lead to the setting up of websites that use characters in their domains which look similar to the original latin letters to imitiate websites.

Can't say I'm too bothered by that; I never type in addresses as I misspell them anyway. Much quicker to use Google :)