note

Bilingual Branding

Notes for logo design for multilingual design

The Principle of "Equal Respect"
The core argument is that if a brand claims to value both languages, the visual design must prove it. If one language is
smaller, in a thinner font, or tucked in a corner, it sends a psychological message that the language is "marginalized" or
just for show (tokenism).
The "Code Preference" Problem
Puzey explains that humans naturally "rank" languages based on where they are placed. This is called Code Preference:

The "Top" or "Left" is almost always perceived as the primary or "Given" language.
The "Bottom" or "Right" is often seen as the "New" or secondary language.
Best Practice: To achieve parity, you must use creative design to "break" this hierarchy.

Visual Mechanisms for Parity
The document offers specific "hacks" to make two languages feel equal even if they can't be in the same spot:

Same Size, Same Typeface: This is the most basic rule. Using the same font weight and size for both scripts is the
first step toward parity.
Color Balancing: If one language is placed in a "weaker" position (like the bottom), you can give it a "stronger" color
(like your Terracotta) to pull the eye toward it, effectively balancing its prominence.
Axis Rotation: The report highlights Amgueddfa Cymru (National Museum Wales) which rotated its text on an angle so that
neither language was "on top" of the other.

The "Typology" of Logos
Puzey classifies logos into different types. For a brand like yours, the most relevant is Type 3b: Bilingual logo with
equal prominence.

It criticizes logos where the secondary language is treated as a "strapline" (like a slogan) because a slogan is by
definition less important than the brand name.
Advice for Lilaboty: Ensure the Bangla name isn't just a "subtitle" under the English name.

"Sense of Place" (The Strategic Value)
For private companies (like your lifestyle brand), Puzey argues that bilingualism isn't just about being helpful—it’s
about "Sense of Place."

It reinforces that your brand is authentic and indigenous.
It distinguishes you from "mass-market" competitors who only use English.
It creates a "boutique" and "conscious" feel that appeals to the premium audience you are targeting.