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When familiar-looking words mislead

English actual and Spanish actual look almost identical on the page. Their dictionary senses show why recognizing a word’s shape is only the beginning of understanding it in another language.

2–3 min

Questions you could explore

  • Which senses of the two words differ, and where could context matter?

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Language

How much can six braille dots say?

A braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

3–5 min

How much can six braille dots say?

Language3–5 minA braille cell has only six positions, but its meaning depends on more than which dots are raised. In Unified English Braille, letters, indicators, and context work together to represent written language.

Language

ASL has its own grammar

American Sign Language is a complete language with grammar of its own. Hands, facial expression, and body movement contribute to meaning, so describing it as English transferred into gestures misses how it works.

3–5 min

ASL has its own grammar

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Why is a newly spotted word not automatically a dictionary entry?

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When familiar-looking words mislead | Speech Topic | speaking.app