diff --git a/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete-trigger.ts b/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete-trigger.ts
index f019c0196799..1d9968172a1d 100644
--- a/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete-trigger.ts
+++ b/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete-trigger.ts
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ import {ConnectedPositionStrategy} from '../core/overlay/position/connected-posi
 import {Observable} from 'rxjs/Observable';
 import {MdOptionSelectionChange, MdOption} from '../core/option/option';
 import {ENTER, UP_ARROW, DOWN_ARROW, ESCAPE} from '../core/keyboard/keycodes';
-import {Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {MdInputContainer} from '../input/input-container';
 import {Subscription} from 'rxjs/Subscription';
 import 'rxjs/add/observable/merge';
@@ -120,8 +120,9 @@ export class MdAutocompleteTrigger implements ControlValueAccessor, OnDestroy {
 
   constructor(private _element: ElementRef, private _overlay: Overlay,
               private _viewContainerRef: ViewContainerRef,
+              private _zone: NgZone,
               private _changeDetectorRef: ChangeDetectorRef,
-              @Optional() private _dir: Dir, private _zone: NgZone,
+              @Optional() private _dir: Directionality,
               @Optional() @Host() private _inputContainer: MdInputContainer,
               @Optional() @Inject(DOCUMENT) private _document: any) {}
 
diff --git a/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete.spec.ts b/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete.spec.ts
index f3e730346d9a..f3b03b8fa090 100644
--- a/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/autocomplete/autocomplete.spec.ts
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ import {
 } from './index';
 import {OverlayContainer} from '../core/overlay/overlay-container';
 import {MdInputModule} from '../input/index';
-import {Dir, LayoutDirection} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality, Direction} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {Subscription} from 'rxjs/Subscription';
 import {ENTER, DOWN_ARROW, SPACE, UP_ARROW, ESCAPE} from '../core/keyboard/keycodes';
 import {MdOption} from '../core/option/option';
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ import 'rxjs/add/operator/map';
 
 describe('MdAutocomplete', () => {
   let overlayContainerElement: HTMLElement;
-  let dir: LayoutDirection;
+  let dir: Direction;
   let scrolledSubject = new Subject();
 
   beforeEach(async(() => {
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ describe('MdAutocomplete', () => {
 
           return {getContainerElement: () => overlayContainerElement};
         }},
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => ({value: dir})},
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => ({value: dir})},
         {provide: ScrollDispatcher, useFactory: () => {
           return {scrolled: (_delay: number, callback: () => any) => {
             return scrolledSubject.asObservable().subscribe(callback);
diff --git a/src/lib/core/bidi/dir.ts b/src/lib/core/bidi/dir.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..b25d6418b1ad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/core/bidi/dir.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+/**
+ * @license
+ * Copyright Google Inc. All Rights Reserved.
+ *
+ * Use of this source code is governed by an MIT-style license that can be
+ * found in the LICENSE file at https://angular.io/license
+ */
+
+import {
+  Directive,
+  HostBinding,
+  Output,
+  Input,
+  EventEmitter
+} from '@angular/core';
+
+import {Direction, Directionality} from './directionality';
+
+/**
+ * Directive to listen for changes of direction of part of the DOM.
+ *
+ * Would provide itself in case a component looks for the Directionality service
+ */
+@Directive({
+  selector: '[dir]',
+  // TODO(hansl): maybe `$implicit` isn't the best option here, but for now that's the best we got.
+  exportAs: '$implicit',
+  providers: [
+    {provide: Directionality, useExisting: Dir}
+  ]
+})
+export class Dir implements Directionality {
+  /** Layout direction of the element. */
+  _dir: Direction = 'ltr';
+
+  /** Whether the `value` has been set to its initial value. */
+  private _isInitialized: boolean = false;
+
+  /** Event emitted when the direction changes. */
+  @Output('dirChange') change = new EventEmitter<void>();
+
+  /** @docs-private */
+  @HostBinding('attr.dir')
+  @Input('dir')
+  get dir(): Direction {
+    return this._dir;
+  }
+
+  set dir(v: Direction) {
+    let old = this._dir;
+    this._dir = v;
+    if (old !== this._dir && this._isInitialized) {
+      this.change.emit();
+    }
+  }
+
+  /** Current layout direction of the element. */
+  get value(): Direction { return this.dir; }
+  set value(v: Direction) { this.dir = v; }
+
+  /** Initialize once default value has been set. */
+  ngAfterContentInit() {
+    this._isInitialized = true;
+  }
+}
+
diff --git a/src/lib/core/bidi/directionality.spec.ts b/src/lib/core/bidi/directionality.spec.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..e56308da090c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/core/bidi/directionality.spec.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+import {async, fakeAsync, TestBed, tick} from '@angular/core/testing';
+import {Component} from '@angular/core';
+import {By} from '@angular/platform-browser';
+import {BidiModule, Directionality, DIR_DOCUMENT} from './index';
+
+describe('Directionality', () => {
+  let fakeDocument: FakeDocument;
+
+  beforeEach(async(() => {
+    fakeDocument = {body: {}, documentElement: {}};
+
+    TestBed.configureTestingModule({
+      imports: [BidiModule],
+      declarations: [ElementWithDir, InjectsDirectionality],
+      providers: [{provide: DIR_DOCUMENT, useFactory: () => fakeDocument}],
+    }).compileComponents();
+  }));
+
+  describe('Service', () => {
+    it('should read dir from the html element if not specified on the body', () => {
+      fakeDocument.documentElement.dir = 'rtl';
+
+      let fixture = TestBed.createComponent(InjectsDirectionality);
+      let testComponent = fixture.debugElement.componentInstance;
+
+      expect(testComponent.dir.value).toBe('rtl');
+    });
+
+    it('should read dir from the body even it is also specified on the html element', () => {
+      fakeDocument.documentElement.dir = 'ltr';
+      fakeDocument.body.dir = 'rtl';
+
+      let fixture = TestBed.createComponent(InjectsDirectionality);
+      let testComponent = fixture.debugElement.componentInstance;
+
+      expect(testComponent.dir.value).toBe('rtl');
+    });
+
+    it('should default to ltr if nothing is specified on either body or the html element', () => {
+      let fixture = TestBed.createComponent(InjectsDirectionality);
+      let testComponent = fixture.debugElement.componentInstance;
+
+      expect(testComponent.dir.value).toBe('ltr');
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('Dir directive', () => {
+    it('should provide itself as Directionality', () => {
+      let fixture = TestBed.createComponent(ElementWithDir);
+      const injectedDirectionality =
+        fixture.debugElement.query(By.directive(InjectsDirectionality)).componentInstance.dir;
+
+      fixture.detectChanges();
+
+      expect(injectedDirectionality.value).toBe('rtl');
+    });
+
+    it('should emit a change event when the value changes', fakeAsync(() => {
+      let fixture = TestBed.createComponent(ElementWithDir);
+      const injectedDirectionality =
+        fixture.debugElement.query(By.directive(InjectsDirectionality)).componentInstance.dir;
+
+      fixture.detectChanges();
+
+      expect(injectedDirectionality.value).toBe('rtl');
+      expect(fixture.componentInstance.changeCount).toBe(0);
+
+      fixture.componentInstance.direction = 'ltr';
+
+      fixture.detectChanges();
+      tick();
+
+      expect(injectedDirectionality.value).toBe('ltr');
+      expect(fixture.componentInstance.changeCount).toBe(1);
+    }));
+  });
+});
+
+
+@Component({
+  template: `
+    <div [dir]="direction" (dirChange)="changeCount= changeCount + 1">
+      <injects-directionality></injects-directionality>
+    </div>
+  `
+})
+class ElementWithDir {
+  direction = 'rtl';
+  changeCount = 0;
+}
+
+/** Test component with Dir directive. */
+@Component({
+  selector: 'injects-directionality',
+  template: `<div></div>`
+})
+class InjectsDirectionality {
+  constructor(public dir: Directionality) { }
+}
+
+interface FakeDocument {
+  documentElement: {dir?: string};
+  body: {dir?: string};
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/core/bidi/directionality.ts b/src/lib/core/bidi/directionality.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..5ec89de17a11
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/core/bidi/directionality.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+/**
+ * @license
+ * Copyright Google Inc. All Rights Reserved.
+ *
+ * Use of this source code is governed by an MIT-style license that can be
+ * found in the LICENSE file at https://angular.io/license
+ */
+
+import {
+  EventEmitter,
+  Injectable,
+  Optional,
+  SkipSelf,
+  Inject,
+  InjectionToken,
+} from '@angular/core';
+import {DOCUMENT} from '@angular/platform-browser';
+
+
+export type Direction = 'ltr' | 'rtl';
+
+/**
+ * Injection token used to inject the document into Directionality.
+ * This is used so that the value can be faked in tests.
+ *
+ * We can't use the real document in tests because changing the real `dir` causes geometry-based
+ * tests in Safari to fail.
+ *
+ * We also can't re-provide the DOCUMENT token from platform-brower because the unit tests
+ * themselves use things like `querySelector` in test code.
+ */
+export const DIR_DOCUMENT = new InjectionToken<Document>('md-dir-doc');
+
+/**
+ * The directionality (LTR / RTL) context for the application (or a subtree of it).
+ * Exposes the current direction and a stream of direction changes.
+ */
+@Injectable()
+export class Directionality {
+  value: Direction = 'ltr';
+  change = new EventEmitter<void>();
+
+  constructor(@Optional() @Inject(DIR_DOCUMENT) _document?: any) {
+    if (typeof _document === 'object' && !!_document) {
+      // TODO: handle 'auto' value -
+      // We still need to account for dir="auto".
+      // It looks like HTMLElemenet.dir is also "auto" when that's set to the attribute,
+      // but getComputedStyle return either "ltr" or "rtl". avoiding getComputedStyle for now
+      // though, we're already calling it for the theming check.
+      this.value = (_document.body.dir || _document.documentElement.dir || 'ltr') as Direction;
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+export function DIRECTIONALITY_PROVIDER_FACTORY(parentDirectionality, _document) {
+  return parentDirectionality || new Directionality(_document);
+}
+
+export const DIRECTIONALITY_PROVIDER = {
+  // If there is already a Directionality available, use that. Otherwise, provide a new one.
+  provide: Directionality,
+  deps: [[new Optional(), new SkipSelf(), Directionality], [new Optional(), DOCUMENT]],
+  useFactory: DIRECTIONALITY_PROVIDER_FACTORY
+};
diff --git a/src/lib/core/bidi/index.ts b/src/lib/core/bidi/index.ts
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..8986092c0f85
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/core/bidi/index.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+/**
+ * @license
+ * Copyright Google Inc. All Rights Reserved.
+ *
+ * Use of this source code is governed by an MIT-style license that can be
+ * found in the LICENSE file at https://angular.io/license
+ */
+
+import {NgModule} from '@angular/core';
+import {DOCUMENT} from '@angular/platform-browser';
+import {Dir} from './dir';
+import {DIR_DOCUMENT, Directionality, DIRECTIONALITY_PROVIDER} from './directionality';
+
+
+export {
+  Directionality,
+  DIRECTIONALITY_PROVIDER,
+  DIR_DOCUMENT,
+  Direction,
+} from './directionality';
+export {Dir} from './dir';
+
+@NgModule({
+  exports: [Dir],
+  declarations: [Dir],
+  providers: [
+    {provide: DIR_DOCUMENT, useExisting: DOCUMENT},
+    Directionality,
+  ]
+})
+export class BidiModule { }
diff --git a/src/lib/core/common-behaviors/common-module.ts b/src/lib/core/common-behaviors/common-module.ts
index a33a30e4f7ba..619ab45d6785 100644
--- a/src/lib/core/common-behaviors/common-module.ts
+++ b/src/lib/core/common-behaviors/common-module.ts
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
 import {NgModule, InjectionToken, Optional, Inject, isDevMode} from '@angular/core';
 import {DOCUMENT} from '@angular/platform-browser';
 import {CompatibilityModule} from '../compatibility/compatibility';
+import {BidiModule} from '../bidi/index';
 
 
 /** Injection token that configures whether the Material sanity checks are enabled. */
@@ -22,8 +23,8 @@ export const MATERIAL_SANITY_CHECKS = new InjectionToken<boolean>('md-sanity-che
  * This module should be imported to each top-level component module (e.g., MdTabsModule).
  */
 @NgModule({
-  imports: [CompatibilityModule],
-  exports: [CompatibilityModule],
+  imports: [CompatibilityModule, BidiModule],
+  exports: [CompatibilityModule, BidiModule],
   providers: [{
     provide: MATERIAL_SANITY_CHECKS, useValue: true,
   }],
diff --git a/src/lib/core/core.ts b/src/lib/core/core.ts
index c6d863d7c102..448376073fe8 100644
--- a/src/lib/core/core.ts
+++ b/src/lib/core/core.ts
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 import {NgModule} from '@angular/core';
 import {MdLineModule} from './line/line';
-import {RtlModule} from './rtl/dir';
+import {BidiModule} from './bidi/index';
 import {ObserveContentModule} from './observe-content/observe-content';
 import {MdOptionModule} from './option/index';
 import {PortalModule} from './portal/portal-directives';
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ import {MdRippleModule} from './ripple/index';
 
 
 // RTL
-export {Dir, LayoutDirection, RtlModule} from './rtl/dir';
+export {Dir, Direction, Directionality, BidiModule} from './bidi/index';
 
 // Mutation Observer
 export {ObserveContentModule, ObserveContent} from './observe-content/observe-content';
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ export {
 @NgModule({
   imports: [
     MdLineModule,
-    RtlModule,
+    BidiModule,
     MdRippleModule,
     ObserveContentModule,
     PortalModule,
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ export {
   ],
   exports: [
     MdLineModule,
-    RtlModule,
+    BidiModule,
     MdRippleModule,
     ObserveContentModule,
     PortalModule,
diff --git a/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.spec.ts b/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.spec.ts
index 8c3440865072..c333e72b22a0 100644
--- a/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.spec.ts
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import {ConnectedOverlayDirective, OverlayModule, OverlayOrigin} from './overlay
 import {OverlayContainer} from './overlay-container';
 import {ConnectedPositionStrategy} from './position/connected-position-strategy';
 import {ConnectedOverlayPositionChange} from './position/connected-position';
-import {Dir} from '../rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../bidi/index';
 import {dispatchKeyboardEvent} from '../testing/dispatch-events';
 import {ESCAPE} from '../keyboard/keycodes';
 
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ describe('Overlay directives', () => {
           overlayContainerElement = document.createElement('div');
           return {getContainerElement: () => overlayContainerElement};
         }},
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => {
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => {
           return dir = { value: 'ltr' };
         }}
       ],
diff --git a/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.ts b/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.ts
index a85358b5a6b1..25d2d58f309a 100644
--- a/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.ts
+++ b/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-directives.ts
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ import {
 } from './position/connected-position';
 import {PortalModule} from '../portal/portal-directives';
 import {ConnectedPositionStrategy} from './position/connected-position-strategy';
-import {Dir, LayoutDirection} from '../rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality, Direction} from '../bidi/index';
 import {Scrollable} from './scroll/scrollable';
 import {ScrollStrategy} from './scroll/scroll-strategy';
 import {coerceBooleanProperty} from '../coercion/boolean-property';
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ export class ConnectedOverlayDirective implements OnDestroy, OnChanges {
       private _renderer: Renderer2,
       templateRef: TemplateRef<any>,
       viewContainerRef: ViewContainerRef,
-      @Optional() private _dir: Dir) {
+      @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) {
     this._templatePortal = new TemplatePortal(templateRef, viewContainerRef);
   }
 
@@ -175,7 +175,7 @@ export class ConnectedOverlayDirective implements OnDestroy, OnChanges {
   }
 
   /** The element's layout direction. */
-  get dir(): LayoutDirection {
+  get dir(): Direction {
     return this._dir ? this._dir.value : 'ltr';
   }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-state.ts b/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-state.ts
index 35d1fb316462..9f9a37e9696b 100644
--- a/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-state.ts
+++ b/src/lib/core/overlay/overlay-state.ts
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
  */
 
 import {PositionStrategy} from './position/position-strategy';
-import {LayoutDirection} from '../rtl/dir';
+import {Direction} from '../bidi/index';
 import {ScrollStrategy} from './scroll/scroll-strategy';
 
 
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ export class OverlayState {
   minHeight: number | string;
 
   /** The direction of the text in the overlay panel. */
-  direction: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
+  direction: Direction = 'ltr';
 
   // TODO(jelbourn): configuration still to add
   // - focus trap
diff --git a/src/lib/core/rtl/dir.ts b/src/lib/core/rtl/dir.ts
deleted file mode 100644
index caca9ed0c332..000000000000
--- a/src/lib/core/rtl/dir.ts
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,61 +0,0 @@
-/**
- * @license
- * Copyright Google Inc. All Rights Reserved.
- *
- * Use of this source code is governed by an MIT-style license that can be
- * found in the LICENSE file at https://angular.io/license
- */
-
-import {
-  NgModule,
-  Directive,
-  HostBinding,
-  Output,
-  Input,
-  EventEmitter
-} from '@angular/core';
-
-export type LayoutDirection = 'ltr' | 'rtl';
-
-/**
- * Directive to listen for changes of direction of part of the DOM.
- *
- * Applications should use this directive instead of the native attribute so that Material
- * components can listen on changes of direction.
- */
-@Directive({
-  selector: '[dir]',
-  // TODO(hansl): maybe `$implicit` isn't the best option here, but for now that's the best we got.
-  exportAs: '$implicit'
-})
-export class Dir {
-  /** Layout direction of the element. */
-  @Input('dir') _dir: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
-
-  /** Event emitted when the direction changes. */
-  @Output() dirChange = new EventEmitter<void>();
-
-  /** @docs-private */
-  @HostBinding('attr.dir')
-  get dir(): LayoutDirection {
-    return this._dir;
-  }
-  set dir(v: LayoutDirection) {
-    let old = this._dir;
-    this._dir = v;
-    if (old != this._dir) {
-      this.dirChange.emit();
-    }
-  }
-
-  /** Current layout direction of the element. */
-  get value(): LayoutDirection { return this.dir; }
-  set value(v: LayoutDirection) { this.dir = v; }
-}
-
-
-@NgModule({
-  exports: [Dir],
-  declarations: [Dir]
-})
-export class RtlModule {}
diff --git a/src/lib/datepicker/datepicker.ts b/src/lib/datepicker/datepicker.ts
index ce0787ab5ade..d2cf03489f19 100644
--- a/src/lib/datepicker/datepicker.ts
+++ b/src/lib/datepicker/datepicker.ts
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ import {Overlay} from '../core/overlay/overlay';
 import {OverlayRef} from '../core/overlay/overlay-ref';
 import {ComponentPortal} from '../core/portal/portal';
 import {OverlayState} from '../core/overlay/overlay-state';
-import {Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {MdDialog} from '../dialog/dialog';
 import {MdDialogRef} from '../dialog/dialog-ref';
 import {PositionStrategy} from '../core/overlay/position/position-strategy';
@@ -164,9 +164,8 @@ export class MdDatepicker<D> implements OnDestroy {
               private _ngZone: NgZone,
               private _viewContainerRef: ViewContainerRef,
               @Optional() private _dateAdapter: DateAdapter<D>,
-              @Optional() private _dir: Dir,
+              @Optional() private _dir: Directionality,
               @Optional() @Inject(DOCUMENT) private _document: any) {
-
     if (!this._dateAdapter) {
       throw createMissingDateImplError('DateAdapter');
     }
diff --git a/src/lib/dialog/dialog-config.ts b/src/lib/dialog/dialog-config.ts
index bea6fd8aea30..ce22b342541f 100644
--- a/src/lib/dialog/dialog-config.ts
+++ b/src/lib/dialog/dialog-config.ts
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
  */
 
 import {ViewContainerRef} from '@angular/core';
-import {LayoutDirection} from '../core';
+import {Direction} from '../core';
 
 /** Valid ARIA roles for a dialog element. */
 export type DialogRole = 'dialog' | 'alertdialog';
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ export class MdDialogConfig {
   data?: any = null;
 
   /** Layout direction for the dialog's content. */
-  direction?: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
+  direction?: Direction = 'ltr';
 
   // TODO(jelbourn): add configuration for lifecycle hooks, ARIA labelling.
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/grid-list/grid-list.ts b/src/lib/grid-list/grid-list.ts
index 12de4deb0499..cdf7f4169380 100644
--- a/src/lib/grid-list/grid-list.ts
+++ b/src/lib/grid-list/grid-list.ts
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ import {
 import {MdGridTile} from './grid-tile';
 import {TileCoordinator} from './tile-coordinator';
 import {TileStyler, FitTileStyler, RatioTileStyler, FixedTileStyler} from './tile-styler';
-import {Dir} from '../core';
+import {Directionality} from '../core';
 import {
   coerceToString,
   coerceToNumber,
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ export class MdGridList implements OnInit, AfterContentChecked {
   constructor(
       private _renderer: Renderer2,
       private _element: ElementRef,
-      @Optional() private _dir: Dir) {}
+      @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) {}
 
   /** Amount of columns in the grid list. */
   @Input()
diff --git a/src/lib/menu/menu-trigger.ts b/src/lib/menu/menu-trigger.ts
index 11de10b053e7..02e6c76a9681 100644
--- a/src/lib/menu/menu-trigger.ts
+++ b/src/lib/menu/menu-trigger.ts
@@ -21,8 +21,8 @@ import {MdMenuPanel} from './menu-panel';
 import {throwMdMenuMissingError} from './menu-errors';
 import {
     isFakeMousedownFromScreenReader,
-    Dir,
-    LayoutDirection,
+    Directionality,
+    Direction,
     Overlay,
     OverlayState,
     OverlayRef,
@@ -86,7 +86,8 @@ export class MdMenuTrigger implements AfterViewInit, OnDestroy {
   @Output() onMenuClose = new EventEmitter<void>();
 
   constructor(private _overlay: Overlay, private _element: ElementRef,
-              private _viewContainerRef: ViewContainerRef, @Optional() private _dir: Dir) { }
+              private _viewContainerRef: ViewContainerRef,
+              @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) { }
 
   ngAfterViewInit() {
     this._checkMenu();
@@ -138,7 +139,7 @@ export class MdMenuTrigger implements AfterViewInit, OnDestroy {
   }
 
   /** The text direction of the containing app. */
-  get dir(): LayoutDirection {
+  get dir(): Direction {
     return this._dir && this._dir.value === 'rtl' ? 'rtl' : 'ltr';
   }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/menu/menu.spec.ts b/src/lib/menu/menu.spec.ts
index de9cabf903c4..021d17cc63d9 100644
--- a/src/lib/menu/menu.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/menu/menu.spec.ts
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ import {
   MenuPositionY
 } from './index';
 import {OverlayContainer} from '../core/overlay/overlay-container';
-import {Dir, LayoutDirection} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality, Direction} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {extendObject} from '../core/util/object-extend';
 import {ESCAPE} from '../core/keyboard/keycodes';
 import {dispatchKeyboardEvent} from '../core/testing/dispatch-events';
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ import {dispatchKeyboardEvent} from '../core/testing/dispatch-events';
 
 describe('MdMenu', () => {
   let overlayContainerElement: HTMLElement;
-  let dir: LayoutDirection;
+  let dir: Direction;
 
   beforeEach(async(() => {
     dir = 'ltr';
@@ -44,9 +44,7 @@ describe('MdMenu', () => {
           document.body.style.margin = '0';
           return {getContainerElement: () => overlayContainerElement};
         }},
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => {
-          return {value: dir};
-        }}
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => ({value: dir})}
       ]
     });
 
diff --git a/src/lib/module.ts b/src/lib/module.ts
index eb3fa6ccc85f..f25636506fe7 100644
--- a/src/lib/module.ts
+++ b/src/lib/module.ts
@@ -12,10 +12,10 @@ import {
   A11yModule,
   MdCommonModule,
   MdRippleModule,
+  BidiModule,
   ObserveContentModule,
   OverlayModule,
-  PortalModule,
-  RtlModule
+  PortalModule
 } from './core/index';
 
 import {MdButtonToggleModule} from './button-toggle/index';
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ const MATERIAL_MODULES = [
   MdTooltipModule,
   OverlayModule,
   PortalModule,
-  RtlModule,
+  BidiModule,
   StyleModule,
   A11yModule,
   PlatformModule,
diff --git a/src/lib/select/select.spec.ts b/src/lib/select/select.spec.ts
index 626e02bf0ad4..18dd6a82bad6 100644
--- a/src/lib/select/select.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/select/select.spec.ts
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ import {OverlayContainer} from '../core/overlay/overlay-container';
 import {MdSelect} from './select';
 import {getMdSelectDynamicMultipleError, getMdSelectNonArrayValueError} from './select-errors';
 import {MdOption} from '../core/option/option';
-import {Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {DOWN_ARROW, UP_ARROW, ENTER, SPACE, HOME, END, TAB} from '../core/keyboard/keycodes';
 import {
   ControlValueAccessor, FormControl, FormsModule, NG_VALUE_ACCESSOR, ReactiveFormsModule
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ describe('MdSelect', () => {
 
           return {getContainerElement: () => overlayContainerElement};
         }},
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => dir = { value: 'ltr' }},
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => dir = { value: 'ltr' }},
         {provide: ScrollDispatcher, useFactory: () => {
           return {scrolled: (_delay: number, callback: () => any) => {
             return scrolledSubject.asObservable().subscribe(callback);
diff --git a/src/lib/select/select.ts b/src/lib/select/select.ts
index e0cc93ee342c..4f1ccce379f6 100644
--- a/src/lib/select/select.ts
+++ b/src/lib/select/select.ts
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ import {
 import {MdOption, MdOptionSelectionChange, MdOptgroup} from '../core/option/index';
 import {ENTER, SPACE, UP_ARROW, DOWN_ARROW, HOME, END} from '../core/keyboard/keycodes';
 import {FocusKeyManager} from '../core/a11y/focus-key-manager';
-import {Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {Observable} from 'rxjs/Observable';
 import {Subscription} from 'rxjs/Subscription';
 import {transformPlaceholder, transformPanel, fadeInContent} from './select-animations';
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ export class MdSelect extends _MdSelectMixinBase implements AfterContentInit, On
     private _changeDetectorRef: ChangeDetectorRef,
     renderer: Renderer2,
     elementRef: ElementRef,
-    @Optional() private _dir: Dir,
+    @Optional() private _dir: Directionality,
     @Self() @Optional() public _control: NgControl,
     @Attribute('tabindex') tabIndex: string,
     @Optional() @Inject(MD_PLACEHOLDER_GLOBAL_OPTIONS) placeholderOptions: PlaceholderOptions) {
diff --git a/src/lib/sidenav/sidenav.ts b/src/lib/sidenav/sidenav.ts
index 2c21c99ca789..39a92397995d 100644
--- a/src/lib/sidenav/sidenav.ts
+++ b/src/lib/sidenav/sidenav.ts
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ import {
   NgZone,
   OnDestroy, Inject,
 } from '@angular/core';
-import {Dir, coerceBooleanProperty} from '../core';
+import {Directionality, coerceBooleanProperty} from '../core';
 import {FocusTrapFactory, FocusTrap} from '../core/a11y/focus-trap';
 import {ESCAPE} from '../core/keyboard/keycodes';
 import 'rxjs/add/operator/first';
@@ -365,12 +365,12 @@ export class MdSidenavContainer implements AfterContentInit {
   /** Whether to enable open/close trantions. */
   _enableTransitions = false;
 
-  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Dir, private _element: ElementRef,
+  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Directionality, private _element: ElementRef,
               private _renderer: Renderer2, private _ngZone: NgZone) {
     // If a `Dir` directive exists up the tree, listen direction changes and update the left/right
     // properties to point to the proper start/end.
     if (_dir != null) {
-      _dir.dirChange.subscribe(() => this._validateDrawers());
+      _dir.change.subscribe(() => this._validateDrawers());
     }
   }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/slider/index.ts b/src/lib/slider/index.ts
index 118e58930505..834456716c50 100644
--- a/src/lib/slider/index.ts
+++ b/src/lib/slider/index.ts
@@ -12,11 +12,11 @@ import {CommonModule} from '@angular/common';
 import {FormsModule} from '@angular/forms';
 import {MdCommonModule, GestureConfig, StyleModule} from '../core';
 import {MdSlider} from './slider';
-import {RtlModule} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {BidiModule} from '../core/bidi/index';
 
 
 @NgModule({
-  imports: [CommonModule, FormsModule, MdCommonModule, StyleModule, RtlModule],
+  imports: [CommonModule, FormsModule, MdCommonModule, StyleModule, BidiModule],
   exports: [MdSlider, MdCommonModule],
   declarations: [MdSlider],
   providers: [{provide: HAMMER_GESTURE_CONFIG, useClass: GestureConfig}]
diff --git a/src/lib/slider/slider.spec.ts b/src/lib/slider/slider.spec.ts
index 116a55687b23..43d4ba28a8eb 100644
--- a/src/lib/slider/slider.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/slider/slider.spec.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import {Component, DebugElement} from '@angular/core';
 import {By, HAMMER_GESTURE_CONFIG} from '@angular/platform-browser';
 import {MdSlider, MdSliderModule} from './index';
 import {TestGestureConfig} from './test-gesture-config';
-import {RtlModule} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {BidiModule} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {
   DOWN_ARROW,
   END,
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ describe('MdSlider', () => {
 
   beforeEach(async(() => {
     TestBed.configureTestingModule({
-      imports: [MdSliderModule, ReactiveFormsModule, FormsModule, RtlModule],
+      imports: [MdSliderModule, ReactiveFormsModule, FormsModule, BidiModule],
       declarations: [
         StandardSlider,
         DisabledSlider,
diff --git a/src/lib/slider/slider.ts b/src/lib/slider/slider.ts
index f15cab396b06..4ea3363fdce8 100644
--- a/src/lib/slider/slider.ts
+++ b/src/lib/slider/slider.ts
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ import {
 } from '@angular/core';
 import {ControlValueAccessor, NG_VALUE_ACCESSOR} from '@angular/forms';
 import {coerceBooleanProperty, coerceNumberProperty, HammerInput} from '../core';
-import {Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {
   DOWN_ARROW,
   END,
@@ -390,7 +390,8 @@ export class MdSlider extends _MdSliderMixinBase
   }
 
   constructor(renderer: Renderer2, private _elementRef: ElementRef,
-              private _focusOriginMonitor: FocusOriginMonitor, @Optional() private _dir: Dir) {
+              private _focusOriginMonitor: FocusOriginMonitor,
+              @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) {
     super();
     this._focusOriginMonitor.monitor(this._elementRef.nativeElement, renderer, true)
         .subscribe((origin: FocusOrigin) => this._isActive = !!origin && origin !== 'keyboard');
diff --git a/src/lib/snack-bar/snack-bar-config.ts b/src/lib/snack-bar/snack-bar-config.ts
index 868462cb5e2b..a058949b9dfa 100644
--- a/src/lib/snack-bar/snack-bar-config.ts
+++ b/src/lib/snack-bar/snack-bar-config.ts
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
  */
 
 import {ViewContainerRef} from '@angular/core';
-import {AriaLivePoliteness, LayoutDirection} from '../core';
+import {AriaLivePoliteness, Direction} from '../core';
 
 /**
  * Configuration used when opening a snack-bar.
@@ -29,5 +29,5 @@ export class MdSnackBarConfig {
   extraClasses?: string[];
 
   /** Text layout direction for the snack bar. */
-  direction?: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
+  direction?: Direction = 'ltr';
 }
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.spec.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.spec.ts
index 880b32470882..9c0f7e0023b2 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.spec.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import {async, ComponentFixture, TestBed, flushMicrotasks, fakeAsync} from '@angular/core/testing';
 import {Component, ViewChild, TemplateRef, ViewContainerRef} from '@angular/core';
 import {NoopAnimationsModule} from '@angular/platform-browser/animations';
-import {LayoutDirection, Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Direction, Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {TemplatePortal} from '../core/portal/portal';
 import {MdTabBody} from './tab-body';
 import {MdRippleModule} from '../core/ripple/index';
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ import {PortalModule} from '../core';
 
 
 describe('MdTabBody', () => {
-  let dir: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
+  let dir: Direction = 'ltr';
 
   beforeEach(async(() => {
     dir = 'ltr';
@@ -21,8 +21,8 @@ describe('MdTabBody', () => {
         SimpleTabBodyApp,
       ],
       providers: [
-        { provide: Dir, useFactory: () => { return {value: dir}; }
-      }]
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => ({value: dir})}
+      ]
     });
 
     TestBed.compileComponents();
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.ts
index 156b877e3fae..9fc18ff700e9 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-body.ts
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ import {
   transition,
   AnimationEvent,
 } from '@angular/animations';
-import {TemplatePortal, PortalHostDirective, Dir, LayoutDirection} from '../core';
+import {TemplatePortal, PortalHostDirective, Directionality, Direction} from '../core';
 import 'rxjs/add/operator/map';
 
 /**
@@ -124,7 +124,8 @@ export class MdTabBody implements OnInit, AfterViewChecked {
     }
   }
 
-  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Dir, private _elementRef: ElementRef) { }
+  constructor(private _elementRef: ElementRef,
+              @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) { }
 
   /**
    * After initialized, check if the content is centered and has an origin. If so, set the
@@ -165,7 +166,7 @@ export class MdTabBody implements OnInit, AfterViewChecked {
   }
 
   /** The text direction of the containing app. */
-  _getLayoutDirection(): LayoutDirection {
+  _getLayoutDirection(): Direction {
     return this._dir && this._dir.value === 'rtl' ? 'rtl' : 'ltr';
   }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.spec.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.spec.ts
index 308ab011b242..731b6c4ccade 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.spec.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import {async, ComponentFixture, TestBed, fakeAsync, tick} from '@angular/core/testing';
 import {Component, ViewChild, ViewContainerRef} from '@angular/core';
-import {LayoutDirection, Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Direction, Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {MdTabHeader} from './tab-header';
 import {MdRippleModule} from '../core/ripple/index';
 import {CommonModule} from '@angular/common';
@@ -17,8 +17,8 @@ import {By} from '@angular/platform-browser';
 
 
 describe('MdTabHeader', () => {
-  let dir: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
-  let dirChange = new Subject();
+  let dir: Direction = 'ltr';
+  let change = new Subject();
   let fixture: ComponentFixture<SimpleTabHeaderApp>;
   let appComponent: SimpleTabHeaderApp;
 
@@ -33,9 +33,7 @@ describe('MdTabHeader', () => {
         SimpleTabHeaderApp,
       ],
       providers: [
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => {
-          return {value: dir,  dirChange: dirChange.asObservable()};
-        }},
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => ({value: dir, change: change.asObservable()})},
         {provide: ViewportRuler, useClass: FakeViewportRuler},
       ]
     });
@@ -239,13 +237,13 @@ describe('MdTabHeader', () => {
 
     it('should re-align the ink bar when the direction changes', () => {
       fixture = TestBed.createComponent(SimpleTabHeaderApp);
-      fixture.detectChanges();
 
       const inkBar = fixture.componentInstance.mdTabHeader._inkBar;
-
       spyOn(inkBar, 'alignToElement');
 
-      dirChange.next();
+      fixture.detectChanges();
+
+      change.next();
       fixture.detectChanges();
 
       expect(inkBar.alignToElement).toHaveBeenCalled();
@@ -301,7 +299,7 @@ class SimpleTabHeaderApp {
   focusedIndex: number;
   disabledTabIndex = 1;
   tabs: Tab[] = [{label: 'tab one'}, {label: 'tab one'}, {label: 'tab one'}, {label: 'tab one'}];
-  dir: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
+  dir: Direction = 'ltr';
 
   @ViewChild(MdTabHeader) mdTabHeader: MdTabHeader;
 
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.ts
index 410f6559b8c1..c7a9bbfcd5bb 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-header.ts
@@ -22,7 +22,14 @@ import {
   OnDestroy,
   NgZone,
 } from '@angular/core';
-import {RIGHT_ARROW, LEFT_ARROW, ENTER, Dir, LayoutDirection, coerceBooleanProperty} from '../core';
+import {
+  RIGHT_ARROW,
+  LEFT_ARROW,
+  ENTER,
+  Directionality,
+  Direction,
+  coerceBooleanProperty
+} from '../core';
 import {MdTabLabelWrapper} from './tab-label-wrapper';
 import {MdInkBar} from './ink-bar';
 import {Subscription} from 'rxjs/Subscription';
@@ -131,7 +138,7 @@ export class MdTabHeader implements AfterContentChecked, AfterContentInit, OnDes
   constructor(
     private _elementRef: ElementRef,
     private _ngZone: NgZone,
-    @Optional() private _dir: Dir) { }
+    @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) { }
 
   ngAfterContentChecked(): void {
     // If the number of tab labels have changed, check if scrolling should be enabled
@@ -176,7 +183,7 @@ export class MdTabHeader implements AfterContentChecked, AfterContentInit, OnDes
    */
   ngAfterContentInit() {
     this._realignInkBar = this._ngZone.runOutsideAngular(() => {
-      let dirChange = this._dir ? this._dir.dirChange : Observable.of(null);
+      let dirChange = this._dir ? this._dir.change : Observable.of(null);
       let resize = typeof window !== 'undefined' ?
           Observable.fromEvent(window, 'resize').auditTime(10) :
           Observable.of(null);
@@ -288,7 +295,7 @@ export class MdTabHeader implements AfterContentChecked, AfterContentInit, OnDes
   }
 
   /** The layout direction of the containing app. */
-  _getLayoutDirection(): LayoutDirection {
+  _getLayoutDirection(): Direction {
     return this._dir && this._dir.value === 'rtl' ? 'rtl' : 'ltr';
   }
 
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-nav-bar/tab-nav-bar.spec.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-nav-bar/tab-nav-bar.spec.ts
index fbd96fc1d269..dda7ef91e2c5 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-nav-bar/tab-nav-bar.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-nav-bar/tab-nav-bar.spec.ts
@@ -6,12 +6,12 @@ import {By} from '@angular/platform-browser';
 import {ViewportRuler} from '../../core/overlay/position/viewport-ruler';
 import {FakeViewportRuler} from '../../core/overlay/position/fake-viewport-ruler';
 import {dispatchFakeEvent, dispatchMouseEvent} from '../../core/testing/dispatch-events';
-import {Dir, LayoutDirection} from '../../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Direction, Directionality} from '../../core/bidi/index';
 import {Subject} from 'rxjs/Subject';
 
 
 describe('MdTabNavBar', () => {
-  let dir: LayoutDirection = 'ltr';
+  let dir: Direction = 'ltr';
   let dirChange = new Subject();
 
   beforeEach(async(() => {
@@ -22,9 +22,10 @@ describe('MdTabNavBar', () => {
         TabLinkWithNgIf,
       ],
       providers: [
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => {
-          return {value: dir,  dirChange: dirChange.asObservable()};
-        }},
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => ({
+          value: dir,
+          change: dirChange.asObservable()
+        })},
         {provide: ViewportRuler, useClass: FakeViewportRuler},
       ]
     });
diff --git a/src/lib/tabs/tab-nav-bar/tab-nav-bar.ts b/src/lib/tabs/tab-nav-bar/tab-nav-bar.ts
index 0415695ff81a..34689baceacc 100644
--- a/src/lib/tabs/tab-nav-bar/tab-nav-bar.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tabs/tab-nav-bar/tab-nav-bar.ts
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ import {
 import {MdInkBar} from '../ink-bar';
 import {MdRipple} from '../../core/ripple/index';
 import {ViewportRuler} from '../../core/overlay/position/viewport-ruler';
-import {Dir, MD_RIPPLE_GLOBAL_OPTIONS, Platform, RippleGlobalOptions} from '../../core';
+import {Directionality, MD_RIPPLE_GLOBAL_OPTIONS, Platform, RippleGlobalOptions} from '../../core';
 import {Observable} from 'rxjs/Observable';
 import 'rxjs/add/operator/auditTime';
 import 'rxjs/add/operator/takeUntil';
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ export class MdTabNav implements AfterContentInit, OnDestroy {
 
   @ViewChild(MdInkBar) _inkBar: MdInkBar;
 
-  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Dir, private _ngZone: NgZone) { }
+  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Directionality, private _ngZone: NgZone) { }
 
   /** Notifies the component that the active link has been changed. */
   updateActiveLink(element: ElementRef) {
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ export class MdTabNav implements AfterContentInit, OnDestroy {
 
   ngAfterContentInit(): void {
     this._ngZone.runOutsideAngular(() => {
-      let dirChange = this._dir ? this._dir.dirChange : Observable.of(null);
+      let dirChange = this._dir ? this._dir.change : Observable.of(null);
       let resize = typeof window !== 'undefined' ?
           Observable.fromEvent(window, 'resize').auditTime(10) :
           Observable.of(null);
diff --git a/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.spec.ts b/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.spec.ts
index 2a521f818eec..61de0c553e1a 100644
--- a/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.spec.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.spec.ts
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ import {By} from '@angular/platform-browser';
 import {NoopAnimationsModule} from '@angular/platform-browser/animations';
 import {TooltipPosition, MdTooltip, MdTooltipModule, SCROLL_THROTTLE_MS} from './index';
 import {OverlayContainer} from '../core';
-import {Dir, LayoutDirection} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality, Direction} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {OverlayModule} from '../core/overlay/overlay-directives';
 import {Platform} from '../core/platform/platform';
 import {Scrollable} from '../core/overlay/scroll/scrollable';
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ const initialTooltipMessage = 'initial tooltip message';
 
 describe('MdTooltip', () => {
   let overlayContainerElement: HTMLElement;
-  let dir: {value: LayoutDirection};
+  let dir: {value: Direction};
 
   beforeEach(async(() => {
     TestBed.configureTestingModule({
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ describe('MdTooltip', () => {
           document.body.appendChild(overlayContainerElement);
           return {getContainerElement: () => overlayContainerElement};
         }},
-        {provide: Dir, useFactory: () => {
+        {provide: Directionality, useFactory: () => {
           return dir = { value: 'ltr' };
         }}
       ]
diff --git a/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.ts b/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.ts
index 4c73a69c51d1..aad2a9e85ee1 100644
--- a/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.ts
+++ b/src/lib/tooltip/tooltip.ts
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ import {
 } from '../core';
 import {Observable} from 'rxjs/Observable';
 import {Subject} from 'rxjs/Subject';
-import {Dir} from '../core/rtl/dir';
+import {Directionality} from '../core/bidi/index';
 import {Platform} from '../core/platform/index';
 import 'rxjs/add/operator/first';
 import {ScrollDispatcher} from '../core/overlay/scroll/scroll-dispatcher';
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ export class MdTooltip implements OnDestroy {
     private _ngZone: NgZone,
     private _renderer: Renderer2,
     private _platform: Platform,
-    @Optional() private _dir: Dir) {
+    @Optional() private _dir: Directionality) {
 
     // The mouse events shouldn't be bound on iOS devices, because
     // they can prevent the first tap from firing its click event.
@@ -402,7 +402,8 @@ export class TooltipComponent {
   /** Subject for notifying that the tooltip has been hidden from the view */
   private _onHide: Subject<any> = new Subject();
 
-  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Dir, private _changeDetectorRef: ChangeDetectorRef) {}
+  constructor(@Optional() private _dir: Directionality,
+              private _changeDetectorRef: ChangeDetectorRef) {}
 
   /**
    * Shows the tooltip with an animation originating from the provided origin