A Literature Review Regarding Symbol Systems for Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Park, Eun Hye; Kim, Jeong Youn

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Commun Sci Disord. 2004;9(1): 100-129.

Eun Hye Park^` , and Jeong Youn Kim^`

박은혜(Eun Hye Park)| 김정연(Jeong Youn Kim)

ABSTRACT

Although various symbol systems are used in augmentative and alternative communication, Korean AAC studies have used mainly PCS or Bliss symbols. One of the reasons for this is the lack of information about AAC symbol systems. This study reviewed relevant books and articles about AAC symbols, particularly the articles in the official journal of ISAAC, Augmentative and Alternative Communication(AAC). Characteristics of various aided and unaided symbols are presented and explained in relation to the appropriate AAC studies. It is found that manual sign system, tangible symbols, Rebus symbols, and Picsyms are less used symbols in Korea. In contrast, picture symbols with requesting functions are frequently used in AAC studies for users with severe disabilities in Korea. Furthermore, the results of the study also revealed that factors such as transparency and iconicity are important in AAC symbol selection as well as the characteristics and needs of AAC users. The manual sign system is a less used symbol system in Korea despite its potential benefits reported in the literature.