Braille, sign language, and pictograms all offer nonverbal means of effectively communicating ideas. Each of these nonverbal communications constitutes a type of language, and each has unique applications. It is important to realize that verbal and written languages are only a few of many different methods of communication. A nurse needs to understand the special functions of braille, sign language, and pictograms and be able to identify the different applications and potential uses of each one. Developed by Louis Braille in the early nineteenth century, Braille is a textured writing system that allows the visually impaired to write and read texts. As with some written languages like Chinese, Braille symbols comprise both of an alphabet and words. Thus, the letter B. In Braille can also connote the word "but" in certain contexts. Braille can be adapted for any human language and is therefore especially important when dealing with people with visual impairments in a diverse cultural environment ("Braille," n.d.).

Nurses do not necessarily need to learn Braille in order to raise awareness about Braille in their health care organizations. Administrators should be aware that all public signs, announcements, and reading material in the health care institution should be printed in Braille in addition to the written languages pertinent to the target population(s) in the area. Directing visually impaired patients to organizations that teach Braille, nurses...

This is another way nurses can help raise awareness about the textured writing system that has revolutionized communication. Braille books and other reading materials are usually available at public libraries, and Braille printers are also available for patients who need them.
Braille is one language system that allows the transcendence of printed or verbal texts. Likewise, sign language transcends the need for verbal communication. Sign language is a "complete, complex language that employs signs made with the hands and other movements, including facial expressions and postures of the body," (Davies, O'Brien & Reed, 2001). A systematic alphabet and language based on gestures, sign language has multiple manifestations (as does Braille) and can convey meaning cross-culturally. The most common sign language systems include American Sign Language and International Sign Language. International Sign Language is more appropriate for use in hospitals serving a broad cultural base with patients from various cultures, nationalities and linguistic backgrounds.

Nurses can easily learn sign language if they work with hearing impaired and deaf people in their area. In fact, nurses who work with deaf or hearing-impaired patients are ethically obliged to learn the primary language of their patient population. Sign language functions like any spoken language does, and can be viewed in the same way as French, Spanish,…