Mastering the Art of Adding Diacritics- A Guide to Placing Two Dots Above a Letter_1

How to do the two dots above a letter, also known as a diaeresis or umlaut, is a common question among language learners and typists. This diacritical mark is used in various languages, including German, French, and Spanish, to indicate a change in vowel sound or to show that two vowels should be pronounced as one. In this article, we will discuss different methods to create the two dots above a letter, both on a computer and by hand.

Firstly, let’s explore how to type the two dots above a letter on a computer. The process may vary depending on the operating system and keyboard layout. Here are some general guidelines:

1.

On Windows, you can press the “Alt” key and type the code 0229 on the numeric keypad to insert the diaeresis. This method works for most programs and applications.

2.

On Mac, you can press “Option” + “U” + “8” + “U” followed by the vowel key you want to add the diaeresis to. For example, to type “ä,” you would press “Option” + “U” + “8” + “U” + “a” + “Return” or “Enter.”

3.

On Linux, you can use the same “Alt” key method as on Windows or use the character map tool to insert the diaeresis.

4.

On mobile devices, you can usually find the diaeresis in the emoji or special characters section of your keyboard. This method may vary depending on the device and keyboard app.

Now, let’s discuss how to create the two dots above a letter by hand. This can be useful for those who prefer handwriting or need to create the diaeresis on a whiteboard or another non-digital surface:

1.

Using a ruler, draw two parallel lines above the letter. The lines should be slightly curved and meet at the top to form a small circle.

2.

Alternatively, you can use a compass to draw a circle above the letter, then draw two parallel lines across the circle to create the two dots.

3.

Some people prefer to use a small dot and a long dash to represent the diaeresis. Simply draw a small dot above the letter and then draw a long dash above the dot.

By following these methods, you can easily add the two dots above a letter, whether you are typing on a computer or writing by hand. Remember that the diaeresis serves an important purpose in certain languages, so it’s essential to know how to use it correctly.