What are the symbols above the letters in words spelt in other languages called, and where can I find there meaning?

It depends on which language. The only other language I speak with any sort of confidence is French.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_orthography

Scroll down to “Modern French” and “Diacritics” and it explains a few of the accents and marks used.

They’re called diacritical marks. This wikipedia article hopefully answers your questions.

Here is a nice article at one of the external links.

They’re called diacritical marks. This wikipedia article hopefully answers your questions.

Here is a nice article at one of the external links explaining the rationale for these symbols.

thanks @gasman that realy helped

thanks to you too @tragiclikebowie

@sunyata_rakshasa I learned more about the topic, too—‘great question’. btw sorry about the duplicate posts—not sure how that happened.

If you go to the “Character Map” in Windows (Generally under Programs / Accessories / System Tools) you can find groupings of all of the various characters permitted by your chosen font… and the names of the characters.

And all this time I thought a diacritical remark was a comment that drew fire in Fluther!