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Understanding Codes in Communication

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5 views1 page

Understanding Codes in Communication

Uploaded by

Maya Koopla
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Best Friends 3

Although Morse code has absolutely nothing to do with computers,


becoming familiar with the nature of codes is an essential preliminary to
achieving a deep understanding of the hidden languages and inner struc-
tures of computer hardware and software.
In this book, the word code usually means a system for transferring
information among people, between people and computers, or within com-
puters themselves.
A code lets you communicate. Sometimes codes are secret, but most
codes are not. Indeed, most codes must be well understood because they’re
the basis of human communication.
The sounds we make with our mouths to form words constitute a code
that is intelligible to anyone who can hear our voices and understands the
language that we speak. We call this code “the spoken word” or “speech.”
Within deaf communities, various sign languages employ the hands
and arms to form movements and gestures that convey individual letters
of words or whole words and concepts. The two systems most common in
North America are American Sign Language (ASL), which was developed
in the early 19th century at the American School for the Deaf, and Langue
des signes Québécoise (LSQ), which is a variation of French sign language.
We use another code for words on paper or other media, called “the writ-
ten word” or “text.” Text can be written or keyed by hand and then printed
in newspapers, magazines, and books or displayed digitally on a range of
devices. In many languages, a strong correspondence exists between speech
and text. In English, for example, letters and groups of letters correspond
(more or less) to spoken sounds.
For people who are visually impaired, the written word can be replaced
with Braille, which uses a system of raised dots that correspond to let-
ters, groups of letters, and whole words. (I discuss Braille in more detail in
Chapter 3.)
When spoken words must be transcribed into text very quickly, stenog-
raphy or shorthand is useful. In courts of law or for generating real-time
closed captioning for televised news or sports programs, stenographers
use a stenotype machine with a simplified keyboard incorporating its own
codes corresponding to text.
We use a variety of different codes for communicating among ourselves
because some codes are more convenient than others. The code of the spo-
ken word can’t be stored on paper, so the code of the written word is used
instead. Silently exchanging information across a distance in the dark isn’t
possible with speech or paper. Hence, Morse code is a convenient alterna-
tive. A code is useful if it serves a purpose that no other code can.
As we shall see, various types of codes are also used in computers to store
and communicate text, numbers, sounds, music, pictures, and movies, as
well as instructions within the computer itself. Computers can’t easily deal
with human codes because computers can’t precisely duplicate the ways in
which human beings use their eyes, ears, mouths, and fingers. Teaching

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Braille accommodates communication for the visually impaired by using a system of raised dots that correspond to letters and words, allowing tactile reading. This code addresses the limitation of visual impairment by providing an alternative that facilitates reading and writing. Stenography, on the other hand, addresses the need for rapid text transcription, as in real-time captioning or legal settings, using a specialized keyboard and shorthand codes that expedite text input, overcoming the speed limitations of traditional typing .

Human codes differ from computer codes primarily in terms of sensory engagement and flexibility. Human codes involve the use of auditory, visual, and tactile senses through speech, text, and sign languages, whereas computer codes are structured for non-sensory processing by machines, focusing on storing and communicating data internally. Human codes are intuitive and socially constructed, while computer codes require precision and are tailored for digital interpretation, like encoding text, numbers, and multimedia data .

Codes act as intermediaries in human-computer interaction by translating human language and inputs into a format comprehensible by computers, such as binary or programming languages. The main challenges include the inability of computers to easily replicate the nuanced ways humans process sensory inputs and express intent, necessitating precise, machine-readable formats. This gap requires advanced algorithms and interfaces to interpret complex human inputs accurately into computer operations .

Different codes serve the purpose of effective communication by providing specific methods tailored to various contexts and needs. Examples include the spoken word, which uses audible sounds for communication; the written word, which records speech as text; sign languages like American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes Québécoise (LSQ), which use hand movements for the deaf community; Braille for the visually impaired; and Morse code, which is effective for non-visual communication over distances .

The limitations of human codes, such as their reliance on sensory modalities and context-dependent interpretation, highlight the necessity for computational systems to adopt more structured and universally readable formats. These limitations push designers to develop interfaces and algorithms capable of translating complex human inputs into precise binary or code sequences that computers can process accurately. This endeavor involves creating adaptable systems that can bridge the gap between human expressiveness and machine logic, focusing on usability, flexibility, and error tolerance .

Morse code is considered a useful communication tool because it provides a means to silently communicate across distances without the need for direct auditory or visual channels, which makes it particularly valuable in situations where other forms of communication are not feasible. It is beneficial when communication needs to occur in the dark, over long distances without visual lines of sight, or when digital or standard speech communication is impaired .

Cultural and regional variations significantly influence the development and use of sign languages, reflecting the diverse sociolinguistic dynamics of a community. Languages such as American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes Québécoise (LSQ) have evolved based on linguistic and cultural contexts unique to their regions. These variations highlight the adaptability of communication systems to meet local needs and showcase how communities create distinct linguistic identities, ultimately contributing to a richer, more inclusive landscape of human communication .

The choice of a code for specific communication needs is determined by factors such as the environment, the sensory abilities of the communicator and receiver, and the purpose of the communication. The spoken word is chosen for direct, real-time auditory exchange when interlocutors are within hearing range and when verbal expression suffices. Conversely, Morse code is selected for its ability to silently transmit messages across distances when visual or auditory channels are unavailable or impractical .

Spoken language functions as a code through audible sounds forming words that convey meaning, which requires the listener to have auditory perception and comprehension of the language. In contrast, sign language uses visual gestures and body movements, necessitating visual perception. The mode of transmission affects their effectiveness since spoken language is limited by the need for auditory conditions, while sign language requires visual interaction, impacting situations such as distance communication and environments without corresponding sensory support .

The development of codes like Morse and Braille reflects innovation driven by societal needs to overcome communication barriers. Morse code provided a solution for effective long-distance communication prior to digital systems, crucial for maritime and military contexts. Braille addressed the educational and reading needs of the visually impaired by converting written language into a tactile format. These innovations highlight how codes evolve to address specific functional gaps, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity .

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