Graphic elements that directly represent an entire word or concept, regardless of their phonetic realisation.
The notation is similar to that used for identifying lexical units (see Lexical Unit Boundary), to which linguistic annotations are added to define the nature of the graphic elements (for a detailed discussion of linguistic annotation, see Linguistic Annotation of a Lexical Unit).
The graphic function of signs is indicated via the metadata keys graphic, function, or gf, with the following possible values:
lg or logogram: logogram or conventional symbol — a sign integrated into the current writing system, whose foreign origin, if any, is synchronically opaque.
ht or heterogram: heterogram — a logogram whose belonging to a distinct foreign writing system remains synchronically transparent and functionally relevant in the text.
pl or plain: neither of the above; a normal sequence of signs consistent with the language and writing system of the text.