[sw-l] SSS and IMWA

[Stephen Slevinski]

SSS-1995 and SSS-1999 are used in SignWriter Dos and Java.  Both of these
sets do not contain all of the symbols needed to write any type of
movement..

Next came the SSS-2002, with a different numbering scheme and more symbols.

Finally came the SSS-2004.  This was the first set with enough symbols to
claim the title of the International Movement Writing Alphabet.  It does not
have every symbol needed, but it has room to grow.  The numbering scheme
will not change.  The specific number for any particular symbol will not
change.  It is an exhaustive and stable set.

So the term IMWA is a rebranding of the SSS.

While conversion routines are needed between the various SSS (1995, 1999,
2002, 2004), the IMWA will not need conversion routines. Once something is
written in the IMWA, it will still be valid and correct for future versions
of the IMWA.

-Stephen


  -----Original Message-----
  From: owner-sw-l at majordomo.valenciacc.edu
[mailto:owner-sw-l at majordomo.valenciacc.edu]On Behalf Of Charles Butler
  Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2005 8:45 AM
  To: sw-l at majordomo.valenciacc.edu
  Subject: Re: [sw-l] SSS and IMWA


  My understanding of the difference is in their names.

  SSS is Sign Symbol Sequence, an ordering system to the various characters
of SignWriting(R).  It is only those characters used for writing signed
languages, not other systems of movement such DanceWriting(R) and
SportsWriting(R).

  IMWA is the International Movement Writing Alphabet, a set of symbols
taking into account the entire system of Movement Writing, which is larger
than the set used for everyday Sign Writing.

  While the IMWA is connected to the SSS, that is not the only possible
ordering, only a technique that helps to ensure that all handshapes used in
a given sign language are structured.

  The IMWA is parallel to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) used to
write down all human utterance in speech.  The IMWA has the capability of
writing down ALL movement of things that move (humans, animals, insects,
presumably machines).  As the larger of the two systems of SSS and IMWA, any
sign language can draw upon the larger system if it needs to show critical
differences in signs (examples such as touching the lower leg, patting
oneself on the back, and movements from dance and ballet that often do not
occur in a given sign language).

  Does that help?

  Charles Butler



  Lucyna Dlugolecka <deafie at gmx.net> wrote:
    Well, I am preparing my lecture on SW and I would like to know what is
the difference between SSS and IMWA... I have read the definitions but I
can't find the difference..

    Lucyna


    GG 3618151 SMS +48505273292
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