EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME

MORSE CODE

Willem Boshoff’s Blind Alphabet (Letter – B) exhibition deals with the relationship between the blind and the seeing, converting the accepted advantaged position of the latter to that of the disadvantaged former. The sculptures from The Blind Alphabet series reverses this position by prompting communication between people who would not normally converse on an even keel, allowing the blind to guide the seeing in the experience of these sculptures.

The visually impaired has the advantage of physically touching the wooden sculptures and reading the English Braille script accompanying the artworks. This allows the blind to explain the artwork to the sighted.

The language most widely spoken and written in the Western world has its origin in 7th century Latin; only one of close to 4 000 writing systems. The QWERTY keyboard that the sighted use today is derived from Latin script. The Braille and Morse code are examples of further systems of communication.

Braille keyboard Querty Keyboard

Continues on next page >>> SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BRAILLE AND MORSE CODE!

BRAILLE, invented by a blind Frenchman, Louis Braille almost 200 years ago, is a system of writing and reading used by blind people.

Louis Braille’s eye was accidently punctured by a sharp tool while playing in his father’s shoemaking workshop. Infection spread to his other eye causing him to go completely blind.

He published a tactile alphabet called Braille comprising of six raised dots to represent the standard alphabet in 1829. This system enables the blind to read the dots with the tips of their fingers and to write on a typewriter purpose made for Braille.

Morse code, invented in 1836 by Samuel Morse is communication system that utilises a particular sense of rhythm to send telegraphic information through flashing lights or clicking sounds. This particular code of a series of dots and dashes represent the alphabet, numbers and punctuation.

An American, Samuel Morse, focused his attention (alongside other inventors) on long distance communication through the invention of the telegraph. His aim was to simplify this intricate system, requiring multiple electrical wires to that of one wire. In 1836 he managed to create the communication system, Morse code, allowing for rapid long distance communication.

What is the difference between Braille and Morse code? Braille and Morse code are different kinds of writing systems that share a similar visual aesthetic. Braille is a tactile writing system utilized by the visually impaired; while Morse code is an encoding system used in telecommunications.