Blissymbol learning as a tool for facilitating language and literacy development

Abstract

In this study we investigated the learning of Blissymbols by 4 pre-schoolers with Down's syndrome over a period of 7 months. The results of the study suggest that the children did derive some benefits from the exposure to and the learning of Blissymbols. However, some key issues were identified that need to be considered in the use of Blissymbols for literacy and language learning. These include the number of symbols and time spent teaching these, the word classes of the words taught, the frequency of exposure to each word, children's familiarity with and interest in the themes used in teaching as well as visual complexity of the symbols. Results confirmed the complexity of the process of symbol learning for young children with disabilities.


(South African Journal of Education: 2001 21(4): 339-343)