A Look at Morse Code and Sign Language

   

M o r s e   C o d e
In 1836 a man named Samuel Morse invented the “Morse Code”, this code was able to send information over wires through dots and dashes. It took him 12 years to perfect his code through his version of an electric telegraph. This device was able to allow the user to tap out a special code for each letter of the message with a telegraph key. The telegraph would than change the dots and dashes into electrical impulses, transmitted though telegraph wires. In addition, it is very well known today for sending distress signals such as SOS. It won't be something that you will use every day but its great understand how to use it in case one day you're stranded in the middle of nowhere!

Samuel Morse (1791-1872)

Today Morse code is a really interesting way to transmit text information through a series of lights, on-off tones, mirrors, clicks or even by people with severe disabilities to communicate. The international Morse code actually encodes the basic Latin alphabet combined with Arabic numerals. These are sequenced as dots and dashes and are most used by amateur radio operators. Every letter is separated by a short pause, and every word is separated by a long pause (three times longer). Repetition is the key to remembering anything, including Morse characters, give it a shot! Here’s a look at how to use Morse code.

This website allows you to type in sentences, converting it to Morse code for you!

 http://morsecode.scphillips.com/translator.html


S i g n   L a n g u a g e 

Sign language constantly uses body language and manual communication to convey messages to others. With practise, using sign language can effectively and fluidly express the speaker’s thoughts. This combines hand shapes and movement along with expressions from arms, body and face. It’s a common misconception that signs are the same worldwide but every country has their own way of signing, there are currently hundreds of different ways of signing around the world. In addition, there is said to be not as many signs as things that exist. Keep in mind that an average deaf six-year old entering first grade already knows about 4,000 signs!  Learning how to sign is very complex and challenging, here are some key factors of a successful signer:

·         Invested a large amount of time and effort

·         Regular daily practise and study

·         Good Memory!

·         Ability to organize and process data in a timely manner

·         Ability to gain intricate hand control

Give the alphabet a try!

Here's a cover of the song "Happy"by Pharrell done fully in sign language to show you how much fun signing can be!