Braille

Writing systems are used in many languages across the world and they are all unique. Think of your own native language, and then compare it with some other languages that you are less familiar with; they likely have different writing systems from one another. But what about languages that only have writing systems and are not spoken? While Braille is technically not a language, it is a writing system for blind and low vision people. So, what is Braille and where did it come from?

You have likely seen Braille before, especially if you are from the UK, where Braille can be seen on things such as medications and public toilet doors. You have probably come across it at some point in your life and maybe just never know! Braille is a system of touch writing and reading where raised dots are used to represent letters of the alphabet and also equivalents of punctuation marks. It is read usually by using both hands and moving them left to right, as you would read a typical book but with your hands rather than your eyes. People typically use their index fingers to do most of the reading.

Who created braille and where did it come from? After going blind at a young age due to an accident, Louis Braille invented the Braille writing system at age 15. He was inspired by Charles Barbier’s code system of “Ecriture Nocturne” (night writing), which was used for sending military messages at night that could be read on the battlefield without light.

There are also different types of Braille; for example, we have contracted Braille and uncontracted Braille. So, what are the differences? Contracted Braille (also referred to as Grade 2 Braille) is generally used by more experienced Braille users; it includes the same letters, numbers and punctuation as uncontracted Braille (Grade 1 Braille) but further adds special signs to represent common words/groups of letters. This means that contracted Braille is typically quicker to read and write. A lot of magazines are printed in contracted Braille.

Uncontracted Braille is the same as contracted Braille, but it does not use abbreviations or contractions (nothing is shortened) and all symbols and letters are counted for.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about this writing system and the history of where it came from. Next time you see those raised dots somewhere, you’ll be able to recognise them as Braille and know what they are used for. Have a nice week everyone!

- Sophs