Unicode typing in freebsd?

[Joel Rees]

> Is it possible to write unicode characters in freebsd shell and xwindows? Of course I can display them, but is there also a tool to write for instance vietnamese characters?

(Please wrap your lines.)

My experience is with Japanese and a some Chinese, but I'll tell you
what I can. 

Any language with more characters than fit on your keyboard requires
what is called an input method. With Japanese, you type in the
pronunciation. When you've typed in enough to make a few words, you hit
the convert key (usually the space bar) and the input method shows you a
character that matches. If it isn't the one you want, you hit the
convert key again, and you get a list of possible matches.

Chinese can also be done phonetically, but the more popular method is to
type in parts of the characters. Again, you get a possible match, and,
if necessary, a list.

The input method collects the keystrokes. The dictionary provides the
list of possible matches. With Chinese and Jpanaese you need both the
input method and the character dictionary. I think Vietnamese will use a
similar approach.

HTH

-- 
Joel Rees <joel at alpsgiken.gr.jp>