Cardassian paragraph structure is unique to say the least. Cardassians write paragraphs like cross words; they star with writing vertical columns of text going from top-to-bottom left-to-right across the page (or screen). Then they write horizontal lines of text in between the columns; the horizontal line going from left-to-right from the top of the page to the bottom. (This practice isn�t by any means the only way and to prevent utter confusion a punctuation symbol is used to indicate which line is read first, and from then on which other lines are read in whatever order)
Second is the Cardassian practice of dropping unnecessary vowels; only word initial or word final vowels and diphthongs need to be written, other vowels are left out unless necessary. This practice represents Cardassian common speech in which vowels become slurred at normal speaking speed.
Cardassian uses punctuation but not like federation standard does. In Cardassian there are four standard punctuation marks; -
The center dot, this is used to separate words and in sometimes within words to indicate syllable breaks
The double center dot is placed between separate clauses like a comma or period.
The primary circle: a circular symbol that can be simple or complex. The first line of text to be read is written on the line that intersects this symbol (its necessary because Cardassian can be wrote in any direction theoretically).
The end circle: A smallish circle placed at the end of the last line to be read in a paragraph (necessary because of Cardassian writing direction).
