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Questions and Answers
What is the definition of the term "symbol" within AAC?
What is the definition of the term "symbol" within AAC?
Within AAC, "symbols" are forms or representations that can be used as communicative behaviors which represent an idea the person wishes to convey.
How does the symbolic value of a symbol relate to the user?
How does the symbolic value of a symbol relate to the user?
The symbolic value rests solely in the mind of the user. A picture or a manual sign does not have any symbolic meaning unless the user knows or recognizes the meaning.
Which of the following are examples of unaided symbols?
Which of the following are examples of unaided symbols?
What is the primary difference between gestures and manual signs?
What is the primary difference between gestures and manual signs?
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Most non-linguistic vocalizations, like "huh-huh" or "brrr", are understood by a wide population.
Most non-linguistic vocalizations, like "huh-huh" or "brrr", are understood by a wide population.
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Which of the following are types of unaided non-linguistic AAC symbols?
Which of the following are types of unaided non-linguistic AAC symbols?
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What is meant by the statement that "manual signs are gestures that have been upgraded into a linguistic organization"?
What is meant by the statement that "manual signs are gestures that have been upgraded into a linguistic organization"?
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Explain the relationship between gestures and speech.
Explain the relationship between gestures and speech.
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What is the Kendon Continuum and how does it illustrate the role of gestures in communication?
What is the Kendon Continuum and how does it illustrate the role of gestures in communication?
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What are the four types of gestures identified by McNeill's Gesture Classification?
What are the four types of gestures identified by McNeill's Gesture Classification?
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Gestures are only used by individuals who have difficulty with verbal communication.
Gestures are only used by individuals who have difficulty with verbal communication.
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What are some of the benefits of utilizing gestures in communication?
What are some of the benefits of utilizing gestures in communication?
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Explain the concept of "iconicity" in relation to graphic symbols used in AAC.
Explain the concept of "iconicity" in relation to graphic symbols used in AAC.
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What are the three categories of graphic symbols based on their level of understandability?
What are the three categories of graphic symbols based on their level of understandability?
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What are some of the key characteristics of a good graphic symbol?
What are some of the key characteristics of a good graphic symbol?
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Bliss Words are a system of graphic symbols that utilize a random arrangement of elements.
Bliss Words are a system of graphic symbols that utilize a random arrangement of elements.
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What is the main issue with graphic symbols in relation to the representation of actions?
What is the main issue with graphic symbols in relation to the representation of actions?
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What are some of the important considerations when implementing communication boards for individuals with AAC needs?
What are some of the important considerations when implementing communication boards for individuals with AAC needs?
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Key word signing is a technique where the communication partner utilizes natural speech and signs for all the words in a sentence.
Key word signing is a technique where the communication partner utilizes natural speech and signs for all the words in a sentence.
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Why is it important to include STOP and NO symbols on communication boards?
Why is it important to include STOP and NO symbols on communication boards?
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Why is it important to introduce social communication messages on communication boards?
Why is it important to introduce social communication messages on communication boards?
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The use of gestures is limited to individuals with communication impairments.
The use of gestures is limited to individuals with communication impairments.
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The use of a communication board is solely the responsibility of the communication partner.
The use of a communication board is solely the responsibility of the communication partner.
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What are some of the key aspects to consider when choosing graphic symbols for a communication board?
What are some of the key aspects to consider when choosing graphic symbols for a communication board?
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What is the significance of the speed argument in relation to sign language for individuals with AAC needs?
What is the significance of the speed argument in relation to sign language for individuals with AAC needs?
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Study Notes
Chapter 4: The Use of Symbols
- Chapter 4 is about symbols in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
- "Symbols" in AAC are forms or representations that represent an idea the person wants to convey.
- The symbolic value of a symbol exists solely in the user's mind. A picture or manual sign is not symbolic without the user understanding the meaning.
Symbol Classification
- Symbols are categorized as unaided or aided.
- Unaided symbols are further categorized as Linguistic (auditory language like spoken English, French, Portuguese, etc.) or Non-linguistic (visual language like American Sign Language).
- Aided symbols are graphic symbols, presented visually.
Nonlinguistic Unaided Symbols
- Non-linguistic vocalizations (e.g., "huh-huh; brrr") are often idiosyncratic (understood only by the user and their partner). Some are conventionalized and understood by a wider population.
- Acoustic symbols (e.g., huh-huh = no, huh-huhH = yes).
- Visual unaided symbols (e.g., gestures - yes/no headshakes; eye-blink code: one blink is yes, two blinks is no).
Unaided Non-Linguistic AAC Symbols
- Category: Acoustic symbols (vocalization), Visual symbols (common gestures, gesture sets, idiosyncratic gestures, mime, eye-blink codes).
- Examples: Examples of each category, including gestures for yes/no, waving hello, iconic gestures for actions like flapping wings for a bird.
Gestures vs. Manual Signs
- Gestures are not part of a language system.
- Manual signs are gestures that have been systematized for linguistic organization.
- Manual signs are the linguistic equivalent to spoken words in sign language.
- Many gestures are a natural part of speech as they are produced together. Signs are produced without speech.
- When gestures are conventionalized they become a lexical item (transition from gesture to manual sign).
Gestures
- A gesture is a non-linguistic movement that may have communicative meaning.
- Gestures may occur in conjunction with speech or may have a function on their own.
- Gestures may facilitate speech.
- A manual sign is a linguistic element.
The Kendon Continuum
- Gestures can vary in meaning (meaningless to linguistic).
- The Kendon Continuum shows a spectrum of gesture meaning, from spontaneous movements to language-like gestures, toward emblems and pantomime.
- Spontaneous gesticulation (low meaning, often rhythmic)
- Language-like gestures (gestures assuming a linguistic meaning)
McNeill's Gesture Classification
- Beats: Hand movements that follow the rhythm of speech.
- Iconics: Hand movements that visually represent what the speaker is saying (e.g., putting on a hat to indicate "hat").
- Metaphorics: Hand movements that represent abstract ideas (e.g., spreading arms to indicate "large").
- Cohesives: Hand movements that show continuity or repetition (e.g., half-circular movements for "and then").
- Deictics: Familiar pointing.
Everybody Uses Gesture!
- Gestures are frequently used and appear before speech in natural development.
- Deaf, blind, and individuals with speech impairments all use meaningful gestures.
How to "Catch" Natural Gestures and Shape Them into Meaningful Communication
- This describes intervention practice for analyzing idiosyncratic gestures and providing a consistent response.
- Examples show how these gestures can be reinterpreted towards communicative meaning.
Linguistic Unaided Symbols
- The difference for manual signs in sign language vs. independent systems of manual signs.
- AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) systems may be accompanied by natural speech.
- Natural sign languages utilize a lexicon with phrases and sentences which are governed by grammar.
Why Would Manual Signing Work?
- Motor argument: Manual signs may rely on less complex motor control than speech.
- Visual argument: Preference for visual modalities.
- Gestural argument: Everybody gestures habitually.
- Continuity argument: Gestures facilitate transition to spoken language.
- Speed argument: Signing may slow down a speaker.
Key Word Signing
- Key word signing is simultaneous communication with speech and manual signs for important information).
- An example phrase (Please take your coat and hang it up).
Simplified Sign System
- Combines iconicity and low motor requirements. Provides AAC.
Fingerspelling/the Hand Alphabet
- The use of an alphabet that follows the letter-by-letter representation of spoken language.
Lorm Alphabet
- An interactive method of using specific spots of the hand to convey alphabetic values.
Tadoma Method
- A sense-based tactile language method of conveying speech and other mouth movements.
Aided AAC Symbols
- Aided symbols use props like pictures, objects, or devices for communication.
Graphic Symbols
- Graphic symbols are for communication modalities using visual representations.
- People with disabilities use vision more than hearing in processing.
- Graphic symbols can be combined with speech or other visual or manual signs.
- They are static and invariant.
- Symbols use iconicity to relate to real-world objects.
- They are less abstract than words.
Cognition and Graphic Symbols
- The user must have strong internal visual representation.
- Picture understanding skills can help users engage with graphic symbols.
- Understanding concepts.
- Full development may take several years.
Levels of Understandability of Graphic Symbols
- Recognizable: easily identified.
- Guessable: symbols that convey meaning.
- Low picturability: abstract concepts.
Recognizable Graphic Symbols
- Symbols that denote commonly encountered objects in the environment.
- Clear meaning for members of the same culture.
Pictures and Prototypes
- Good symbols should be clear, readily interpretable, and distinct.
Guessable Graphic Symbols
- A spectrum based on guessability and transparency.
Low Picturability Graphic Symbols
- Symbols with limited representation that rely on cultural understanding.
An Interesting Graphic Symbol System: Bliss-Words
- Limited number of shapes; these combine to communicate.
- Uses morphological markers to create symbols that convey meaning.
- Symbols have a sublexical level, combining elements to form words.
Two Issues of Graphic Symbols: Polysemy and Sequentiality
- Polysemy: A single graphic symbol can have multiple meanings.
- Sequentiality: For verbs. A symbol showing an action alone is unclear.
Uses for Graphic Symbols - 1 & 2 & 3
- Learning to use communication devices takes time (familiarization with the technology).
- Use a limited number of symbols to start communication.
- Boards or screens may need to be used to present a limited number of symbols in multiple situations.
- Including common statements with high frequency of use that cover basics of need and survival. (Emergencies, basic needs etc).
- Learning tools for communication devices may assist in communicative growth.
- Implement ways to help users communicate their needs and desires, protection, and socializing.
Points to Remember
- Symbols need to have meaning for the user.
- Gestures may eventually transition to conventional signs.
- Gestures are tied to language use, from basic movements to complex sign language gestures.
- Symbols can be helpful tools, if used in different ways for diverse learning needs etc, to support communication.
- AAC use by users may include both signing and speech.
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Description
Explore Chapter 4, which focuses on the role of symbols in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Learn about the differences between unaided and aided symbols, and understand how non-linguistic symbols can convey ideas uniquely based on user comprehension.
