Below are words that could be used for basic communication. LICW has had some success teaching Morse code basics to children with communication difficulties, and we are interested to find out whether Morse code could also be useful for those recovering from illnesses where language or motor skills are partially affected.

* Researchers, stipend available - please contact us if interested.
** More words coming - stay tuned!

Morse Code, a system that uses combinations of dots and dashes to represent letters and numbers, was invented by Samuel Morse. He used it to transmit messages across distances using electricity, demonstrating the telegraph in 1836, and ushering a new era of connectedness. Morse Code is made up of longer and shorter notes, or dashes and dots. Dashes and dots just mean the length of a sound; if a dot takes 1 unit of time, then a dash takes 3, because dashes are 3 times longer than dots. A pause between letters is 3 times longer than a dot, which means it is equally as long as a dash. Finally, a pause between words is 7 times longer than a dot. Just as with typing, speed is measured in Words Per Minute (WPM).

Why Morse Code?

Tapping out the simple Morse Code message such as "ditditdit – dah-dah-dah – ditditdit" (SOS) on a pipe can save your life, if you're trapped and your voice tires from calling out to search and rescue crews. Also, medical professionals are finding Morse Code useful as assistive technology for people suffering conditions that interfere with speech or make speech difficult or tiring. And, in times of local emergency, where normal lines of communications fail, Ham radio operators sending out Morse Code messages can be useful in a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) effort. Morse Code can also be fun, such as when we created The Lord's Prayer in Morse Code, or, if you love a good mystery plot, you want insider information about the clues embedded in old BBC "Inspector Morse" episodes.

Where Can I Learn Morse Code?

The Long Island CW Club is a brilliant resource for learning Morse Code. Their website is filled with practice materials, and they're especially helpful to beginners. They suggest you avoid memory aids but instead practice recognizing letters and then recognizing common words and phrases.

Morse Code Breakdown Chart