Braille Formats
gh provides translations of documents from print into five different types of Braille. Each Braille format possesses its own unique translation standards, rules, and specified applications. For example, the Nemeth Braille Code is used for translating math and science.
Literary Braille - Uncontracted
Uncontracted Braille is the most basic form of Literary Braille and requires the least amount of cognitive burden on the reader. Uncontracted Braille is very limited in use, as it is not suitable for most reading material beyond a beginning scope of a Braille reader, and is not suitable for math and science. Uncontracted Braille simply consists of the 26 characters of the alphabet and various punctuation symbols such as the period (.) and comma (,) but does not include abbreviations or contractions. The following is an example of uncontracted Braille:
Literary Braille - Contracted
Contracted Braille is more advanced than uncontracted and is considered to be the universal standard form of Literary Braille. Contracted Braille consists of several abbreviations and contractions that provide the reader with greater ease of use. Braille readers often learn uncontracted Braille first and then learn contracted, which requires more cognitive processing by the Braille reader to decipher the translation. The following is an example of contracted Braille:
Nemeth Braille Code
The Braille format used for math and science is known as Nemeth Braille Code, developed by Dr. Abraham Nemeth. Braille readers learn Nemeth Braille only after they have complete understanding of both uncontracted and contracted Literary Braille. Nemeth Braille contains the characters for communicating the complex mathematical symbols such as the infinity sign (∞) and the summation sign (∑). The Braille reader must learn Nemeth Braille Code to develop an understanding of math and science based subjects. In fact, the Braille Authority of North America (BANA) standard rulebook states that Contracted Braille should not be used for math and science. The following is an example of Nemeth Braille Code:
Foreign Languages
gh offers the ability to transcribe an assortment of foreign languages into Braille. Translation tables are created for each language and gh currently has the capacity to translate documents into Spanish, French, German, Italian, Latin, and Japanese. The following is an example of "comprensiòn" using uncontracted Spanish Braille:
Computer Braille Code
This Braille code is used for translating material that includes computer notation such as computer programs, computer commands, URLs, and computer screenshots. The following is an example of Computer Braille Code:
