I’m not an expert on this, but I think it started in scientific journals, to facilitate the inclusion of mathematical formula (which are usually written horizontally). Eventually – and I’m not sure why – the horizontal orientation was standardized for everything. I believe the vertical orientation is still used for calligraphy and signs and such.
coming from the “reading is oppresive” school of thought
First I was forced to learn Mandarin, then they told me I couldn’t be a con artist. Literal genocide.
Wait till they find out that Chinese texts used to be written vertically, and it was the PRC which made writing horizontally the standard.
ooff I did not know that about chinese texts. That’s wild.
why was the direction changed?
I’m not an expert on this, but I think it started in scientific journals, to facilitate the inclusion of mathematical formula (which are usually written horizontally). Eventually – and I’m not sure why – the horizontal orientation was standardized for everything. I believe the vertical orientation is still used for calligraphy and signs and such.