Braille is a code in the same way that we understand Morse Code, sign language and short hand. It is not a different language.
Braille consists of "braille cells." Each cell is two-dots wide and 3 dots high. When you fill the cell, it looks like a rectangle standing on its narrow end. The Braille Code assigns specific meanings to virtually every mathematically possible combination of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 dots located somewhere inside that cell, and combinations of up to 4 cells. For ease of reference, the dots are numbered top to bottom down the left side 1, 2, 3, and down the right 4, 5 and 6. Throughout the educational materials and rules, you will see reference to "dots 1, 3, 4" or "dots 2, 5, 6." Since there are only 64 mathematically possible combinations with one cell, many dot combinations have to serve many functions and have rules governing that function. For example, dots 2 and 5 (the center horizontal bar) have the following meanings depending on context.
Con-: Prefix used in confidence, concept, etc.
Cc: Double letter as in success; it must only appear in the center of the word and has limited uses.
Colon
The number 3: In mathematical (Nemeth Code) documents
Summation line: In mathematics it forms the line under the addition or similar problems that are stacked up rather than written as sentences.
Article separator: In magazines or newsletters a string of 12 dots are used to show where a new article begins.
And, that's not a complete listing. However, it may help convey the limitations and complexities of this particular code.
