Sm'algyax Word gains Braille option as locally created language program expands

Prince Rupert's 
Brendan Eshom has
added a new element to
his Sm'algyax Word portal

The latest addition to the work of Brendan Eshom found of Sm’algya̱x Word will see the introduction of a braille alphabet for the traditional dialect of the Tsymsyen, the news shared today of the service that will bring the language to the vision impaired and blind.

Mr. Eshom, a Prince Rupert resident and Gitga'at Nation member has partnered with Harris Mowbray is an amateur linguist and programmer from the United States of America. 

The American partner is notable for creating several proposals to encode minority languages around the world in Braille

The joint effort began earlier this year when Mr. Mowbray contacted Mr. Eshom to share a Braille alphabet he had constructed for the Sm’algya̱x language. 

Following discussions via online conferencing and consultation with the Sm’algya̱x Language Authority, the newly-conceived alphabet was added to the smalgyaxword.ca website. 

The finished product is now available through the website, the Braille alphabet can be viewed by the public as a series of illustrations that correspond to characters conventionally used to write Sm’algya̱x.

Through their information release on the project today, Mr. Eshom noted of the nature of the collaboration on the project.

“The development of a Braille alphabet for Sm’algya̱ x increases the number of people who can experience the knowledge and heritage of BC’s North Coast — literally at first-hand. People with visual challenges who are fluent in Braille will be able to learn the language as readily as those who have access to printed reference materials. I applaud Harris for his expertise and initiative, which have enabled an exciting cross-cultural collaboration"

Harris Mowbray worked
with Mr. Eshom on the 
braille option

For Mr. Mowbray, the Sm'algyax Braille alphabet is the latest of reference works that he has created,  having worked on similar concepts for alphabets for the Chamorro and Carolinian languages of the Mariana Islands, the Kashubian and Silesian languages of Poland to name a few.

“Accessibility is vital for the preservation and spread of minority languages. As I devise and fit Braille alphabets to written vernacular, I’m amazed at the unique ways that communities preserve and transmit culture. Limits to sightedness should not be a barrier to anyone who wants to share that experience.”

The introduction of a braille option for his work, is part of the way that the Prince Rupert resident continues to enhance his Sm'algyax Word project as he continues to share the language to larger and larger audiences.

You can learn more about the Braille option here.

The Sm'algyax Word of the Day project now features over 600 words and is available online, as well as through a mobile app and SMS subscription, explore what Mr. Eshom has to share here.

More items of note on Community themes on the North Coast can be reviewed here.