The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility
New release
Coming 
None

Mr. Symbol Man

1974 49 min
Leaving soon

"Blissymbols" are giving children without speech a joyous new means of communication. This film tells the story of a remarkable man, Australian Charles K. Bliss, who invented a symbol language (pictographs) originally as a means of overcoming the barrier of differing languages, and then found that it has an even greater, more rewarding application when used with speech-handicapped children. This is witnessed in Toronto and Montréal, where the Blissymbols are being used.

We're sorry, this content is not available in your location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Share
Mr. Symbol Man

Details

"Blissymbols" are giving children without speech a joyous new means of communication. This film tells the story of a remarkable man, Australian Charles K. Bliss, who invented a symbol language (pictographs) originally as a means of overcoming the barrier of differing languages, and then found that it has an even greater, more rewarding application when used with speech-handicapped children. This is witnessed in Toronto and Montréal, where the Blissymbols are being used.

  • director
    Bruce Moir
    Bob Kingsbury
  • producer
    Tom Daly
    Frank Bagnall
    Richard Mason
  • commentary
    Stanley Jackson
  • camera
    Michael Edols
    Barry Perles
  • sound
    Berry Von Browkhurst
    Bev Davidson
    Joseph Champagne
  • editing
    Bruce Moir
  • sound editing
    Gwen Barnhill
  • animation
    Les Drew
  • re-recording
    Jean-Pierre Joutel

Enjoy the NFB experience on your favourite device

Education

Ages 15 to 18
School subjects

Describe the qualities that are typically found in inventors and innovators. What other potential applications could there be for the Bliss board? Discuss some of the limitations of the Bliss board that the inventor addresses; are these issues similar to others that typically arise when languages are translated? The term “social entrepreneur” is a fairly new one. Discuss why this would be considered a category of entrepreneurship that would be distinct from traditional entrepreneurial endeavours. 

Mr. Symbol Man
Purchase options
Also available