How to read Braille?
BlogWe know Braille
While designing typhlographic boards, we also learned how to use Braille efficiently - a raised writing system intended for people with visual impairments.
Is it difficult?
You've probably seen what Braille writing looks like. Every medication package features the name of the medication embossed in Braille characters. This writing is intended for people who read by touch. For many, it's a completely unfamiliar writing system. It seems very difficult and mysterious. However, it turns out, it's not that complicated.
It's easy to remember a few distinctive characters, and once you know them, letter recognition becomes increasingly easier. Can anyone write in Braille? But no, Braille—in addition to letters—has numerous technical requirements, special symbols, and standards that precisely describe all the parameters of the script.
It is worth remembering that Braille is not a language but a font, so in Poland we read in Braille in Polish and in another country in its native language.
Below is some "dry" information:
How to read Braille?
The origins of the dot alphabet date back to the 19th century. One of its creators was Charles Barbier, who developed a cipher for military purposes. This allowed soldiers to read it even in complete darkness. This cipher consisted of a configuration of twelve characters, corresponding to individual letters of the Latin alphabet. Later, Louis Braille developed it into the six-dot alphabet known today. How should raised print be read?
Point alphabet - what else should you know about it?
The changes introduced by Braille made the perception of characters much easier. The system consists of dots arranged vertically in two rows. Blind people are able to read individual letters because all the characters fit perfectly under the tip of the index finger. Similar to the combination created by Barbier, the characters represent individual letters, but not only that. By creating the appropriate combination of dots within the aforementioned six-dot system, it is possible to write numbers, punctuation marks, musical notations, as well as chemical, physical, and mathematical notations. In practice, embossed printing allows for the writing of virtually anything.
Interestingly, learning to write is relatively simple and quick. However, the real challenge lies in reading by touch fluently and at a relatively fast pace. Regular practice is essential to achieve the desired speed.
How do we read Braille?
As mentioned, the system is based on characters composed of six dots. They are arranged in two rows, each with three dots. The left row contains dots 1, 2, and 3 (from the top), while the right row contains 4, 5, and 6. To simplify the process, uppercase and lowercase letters are not distinguished. The uppercase and lowercase letters are designated by a special symbol, placed earlier. Each letter has its own specific symbol. Importantly, Polish letters also have a diacritical mark. For example, the letter a corresponds to dot 1, which is located in the upper left corner. The letter s corresponds to dots 2, 3, and 4, which are located on the left, center, lower left, and upper right.
How does learning take place?
To master relief printing, a gradual progression of difficulty is used. Importantly, letters are introduced in a completely different order than for sighted children beginning their school education. The easiest-to-read characters are introduced first. Consequently, these are the characters located in the left and upper portions of the six-dot system. Next, letters consisting of one, two, and three dots are introduced. These are the letters a (dot 1), l (dots 1, 2, 3), b (dots 1, 2), k (dots 1, 3), and c (dots 1, 4).
Learning typically begins with an enlarged six-dot display, which allows for a quicker familiarization with the structure of individual characters. It's worth noting that fluent reading of relief print requires concurrent practice of skills that improve tactile perception. Mastering proper hand movements, body position, and finger movement is also crucial. Developing orientation in relation to one's own body, as well as in both small and large spaces, is also crucial. Before systematic learning begins, children should be able to represent various types of patterns on a flat surface, including horizontal, continuous, dashed, and diagonal lines. Furthermore, the ability to determine their position and distinguish the shapes of geometric figures is crucial.
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We approach every project with complete dedication, whether it's a large project or a small private order. We encourage you to browse our tactile graphics design and printing services. If you have any questions, please contact our printing house by phone or email.
We'll be happy to advise you on the best and most advantageous offer for every client. We'll answer any questions and dispel any doubts. You can also visit us in person. The Dotknij Druk printing house is located in Poznań, but we process orders nationwide. We warmly welcome collaboration from large companies, small businesses, and individuals.
Company details: PremiumPrint Jakub Kaźmierczak, ul. Andrychowska 42a, 61-333 Poznań, PL | NIP: 9231556647
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