Joining Group - Manichaean Dhamedh

Manichaean Dhamedh is a specific joining group used for the Manichaean script’s letter dhamedh, which corresponds to the sound “dh.” This group determines how the glyph connects to adjacent letters in cursive writing systems, specifying that it joins on both sides in a bidirectional manner, like most Manichaean consonants. Its joining behavior is medial, meaning it forms continuous ligatures with preceding and following characters, but it does not have a special isolated or initial variant distinct from its standard form. In text shaping, this group ensures that the letter appears correctly in word formations, particularly in religious manuscripts where the script’s calligraphic style relies on precise connection rules. The value is essential for rendering Manichaean text accurately, as it dictates whether the letter connects, breaks, or alters its shape depending on position within a word.