Punktpõhised

Punktpõhised (literally "dot-based" in Estonian) refers to a typographic and linguistic convention used in Estonian orthography, particularly in the handling of certain letters and their diacritical marks. This system is primarily associated with the use of the dot (punkt) over vowels to indicate stress or phonetic distinctions in written text.

In Estonian, the dot is placed over the vowel *õ* (õ) to distinguish it from the letter *ö* (ö), which is used in loanwords and foreign names. The *õ* represents the phoneme /õ/, a close-mid front rounded vowel, while *ö* represents /ø/, a close-mid front unrounded vowel. This distinction is crucial for correct pronunciation and word recognition in Estonian. For example, the word *õun* (apple) is pronounced differently from *öö* (night), which contains the *ö* vowel.

The punktpõhine system was introduced in the early 20th century as part of efforts to standardize Estonian orthography and reduce ambiguity in written language. Before this reform, Estonian spelling often relied on inconsistent conventions, leading to confusion. The dot was chosen as a clear and visually distinct mark to differentiate between similar-sounding vowels.

While the punktpõhine system is most prominently associated with Estonian, similar conventions exist in other languages, such as Finnish, where the *ö* and *y* (which can also carry a dot) serve phonetic purposes. In Estonian, however, the dot remains a defining feature of the *õ* letter, ensuring clarity in written communication. This system continues to be widely used in modern Estonian typography, literature, and digital media.