Why Writing Systems Affect LLM Efficiency: The Semantic Compression Hypothesis

This working paper proposes that Japanese orthography and parliamentary shorthand function as "Human-Optimized Lossless Compression" protocols for Large Language Models (LLMs). By reframing logograms (Kanji) as dense semantic anchors (I-frames) and phonetic scripts (Kana) as logical connectors (P-frames), we demonstrate how this "Variable Bit-Rate (VBR)" architecture maximizes semantic bandwidth under fixed token constraints. The study offers a theoretical framework and a 3-phase experimental design to verify how these historically evolved systems can enhance AI inference efficiency and auditability.Data Source Note: Unlike traditional linguistic studies, this paper treats Large Language Model (LLM) behavior patterns—not theoretical linguistics—as primary evidence. The VBR hypothesis emerged from observing differential computational efficiency across writing systems in practical LLM deployment, rather than from a priori linguistic theory. Validation depends not on the model's "subjective experience" (which cannot be verified) but on measurable metrics: token consumption, inference latency, and task accuracy across languages.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-02-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18465386
Primary Topic
Natural Language Processing Techniques
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Why Writing Systems Affect LLM Efficiency: The Semantic Compression Hypothesis

Harvey Explorer
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Natural Language Processing Techniques
article

Why Writing Systems Affect LLM Efficiency: The Semantic Compression Hypothesis

Harvey Explorer
article en

Abstract

This working paper proposes that Japanese orthography and parliamentary shorthand function as "Human-Optimized Lossless Compression" protocols for Large Language Models (LLMs). By reframing logograms (Kanji) as dense semantic anchors (I-frames) and phonetic scripts (Kana) as logical connectors (P-frames), we demonstrate how this "Variable Bit-Rate (VBR)" architecture maximizes semantic bandwidth under fixed token constraints. The study offers a theoretical framework and a 3-phase experimental design to verify how these historically evolved systems can enhance AI inference efficiency and auditability.Data Source Note: Unlike traditional linguistic studies, this paper treats Large Language Model (LLM) behavior patterns—not theoretical linguistics—as primary evidence. The VBR hypothesis emerged from observing differential computational efficiency across writing systems in practical LLM deployment, rather than from a priori linguistic theory. Validation depends not on the model's "subjective experience" (which cannot be verified) but on measurable metrics: token consumption, inference latency, and task accuracy across languages.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Observer Research Foundation (IN)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 70%
Natural Language Processing Techniques
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Why Writing Systems Affect LLM Efficiency: The Semantic Compression Hypothesis — Harvey Explorer · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS