World Braille Day is celebrated on January 4. The day not only pays tribute to a unique writing system, but also draws attention to the importance of accessible communication, inclusion, and equal opportunities in language use.
For a language school, this day serves as a particularly meaningful reminder: language is not merely a system of sounds and letters, but a means of connection, understanding, and building bridges between people.
What Is Braille?
Braille is a tactile writing system used worldwide by blind and visually impaired people. It consists of different combinations of six raised dots, which can represent letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and even complete words.
The system was developed in the 19th century by Louis Braille, when he was still in his teens. His work revolutionised literacy for people with visual impairments and remains a fundamental pillar of accessible communication to this day.
Why Is World Braille Day Important?
In 2018, the United Nations designated January 4 as World Braille Day, emphasising that literacy is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right.
The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of:
- the importance of accessible and inclusive education,
- equal access to information,
- and the acceptance of diverse forms of communication.
When we talk about languages, we often think of foreign languages, language exams, or pronunciation. World Braille Day, however, reminds us that language is not exclusively a visual experience. Communication operates through multiple channels, and genuine language competence begins with empathy and openness.
Braille represents a form of language use just as valid as reading, writing, or speaking — it simply relies on a different sensory channel.