Braille and its variations

MikkiTarz

Braille is a system of raised dots that are used by people who are blind or visually impaired to read and write. It was invented by Louis Braille, a Frenchman who lost his sight as a result of a childhood accident, and it has become the standard for tactile reading and writing for the blind worldwide. Braille is based on a grid of six dots, arranged in two columns of three dots each. By using different combinations of these six dots, Braille characters represent letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and even musical and mathematical symbols.

There are several variations and adaptations of Braille to accommodate different languages, script systems, and specific needs. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Grade 1 Braille: Also known as uncontracted or Grade 1 Braille, this version represents each letter of the alphabet, punctuation mark, and numeral with a corresponding Braille symbol. It is typically used for beginners and for learning Braille.

2. Grade 2 Braille: Grade 2 Braille, also called contracted Braille, uses contractions and abbreviations to make Braille more compact and efficient. This allows for faster reading and writing. Some common contractions include "and" (represented by the letter "a") and "for" (represented by the letter "f"). Contracted Braille varies from one language to another, and there are different sets of contractions for different languages.

3. Grade 3 Braille: Grade 3 Braille is a customized and informal form of Braille that individuals may develop for their specific needs, such as personal shorthand or code. It is not standardized and varies from person to person.

4. Music Braille: Braille music notation is used by blind and visually impaired musicians to read and write music. It includes a unique set of symbols and notation for representing musical notes, dynamics, and other musical elements.

5. Computer Braille: Computer Braille is a specialized adaptation of Braille that incorporates symbols and codes for computer-related characters and commands. It allows blind individuals to navigate and interact with computers and digital devices.

6. Unified English Braille (UEB): UEB is a recent effort to standardize and harmonize Braille codes across English-speaking countries. It is designed to make Braille more consistent and accessible for readers of English. UEB incorporates many of the conventions of Grade 2 Braille while simplifying some rules and promoting uniformity.

7. Language-Specific Braille: Braille codes exist for various languages and scripts, such as French Braille, Spanish Braille, Arabic Braille, and many others. Each language may have its own set of Braille characters and contractions.