1. A method for validating the encoding of an incoming character having a particular complexity and encoded according to a group of pre-determined basic stroke elements and stroke sequencing rules to define an incoming character code, the method comprising the steps of: ordering a set of standard characters encoded according to said group of pre-determined basic stroke elements and stroke sequencing rules to define standard character codes, each standard character having a certain complexity, said ordering being according to the complexities of the standard characters; specifying a portion of said set according to the complexity of said incoming character; searching said portion for at least a closest match between said incoming character code and a said standard character code, and determining a sub-set of said portion, said sub-set containing at least one standard character code having said closest match with said incoming character code; and, selecting one member of said sub-set of closely matched standard character codes as the correct code for said incoming character.