"Communication is the right of all human beings. Given the uniqueness of every individual, this right should encompass the freedom to choose the particular system(s) of communication most acceptable to the user." - Shirley McNaughton – Communicating with Blissymbolics (1985)
Charles Bliss understood this, and in the 1940s set out to create a graphical symbolic system that would allow people of various backgrounds, native languages, and abilities to communicate with each other in a way that is simple and flexible.
The system he created is now internationally referred to as Blissymbolics. It incorporates core symbols (Bliss-characters) many of which are intuitive and can be arranged to produce Bliss-words that can represent complex and abstract, yet easy-to-understand meanings. It has simple, elegant, grammatically based rules, that make it ideal as a non-phonetically based language. This is one reason it is appreciated so much by people with complex communication needs, but also a reason why it has great potential for international communication and meeting the challenges of persons with varying levels of communication, language and learning difficulties.
Blissymbolics Communication Institute - Canada (BCIC) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization, whose primary motivation is to promote the language of Blissymbolics and provide support for those who wish to explore its use for communication.
To that end, BCIC is undertaking an initiative, called Blisspace, that enables Bliss users and alumni and those interested in learning more about using the language of Blissymbolics for creative expression, to interact with each other, regardless of their native language.
Blisspace exists as an online space that will be home to a library for all people interested in exploring and using Blissymbolics. The type of content contained in the library, as well as the way it is organized and navigated will be determined by its contributors. The structure of the library will encourage the use of ‘Bliss’ as a means for describing, organizing, interconnecting, and expanding on the content provided. Blisspace provides a venue for telling stories, sharing opinions, starting discussions, and generating ideas relating both to the language of ‘Bliss’, and the content of the library.
Our short-term goal is to provide current Bliss users and alumni with the guidance, resources, and the personal and technical assistance necessary to allow them to participate in developing, building, and contributing to Blisspace projects.
Our long-term goal is to build Blisspace into a thriving, community-driven site, where people of all ages and backgrounds can explore, learn, share, and use Blissymbolics in an interactive way that is unique and not provided anywhere else.
If you are excited about Bliss and Blisspace, please consider sponsoring our Blissymbolics Waterfront Wheelers team, which will be taking part in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 16, 2011, in Toronto, Canada.
Our plan is to raise $20,000 to help us reach our goals for Blisspace.
To join or sponsor our team
click here.
