title: A Participatory Research Approach to develop an Arabic Symbol Dictionary.
abstract: The purpose of the Arabic Symbol Dictionary research discussed in this paper, is to provide a resource of culturally, environmentally and linguistically suitable symbols to aid communication and literacy skills. A participatory approach with the use of online social media and a bespoke symbol management system has been established to enhance the process of matching a user based Arabic and English core vocabulary with appropriate imagery. Participants including AAC users, their families, carers, teachers and therapists who have been involved in the research from the outset, collating the vocabularies, debating cultural nuances for symbols and critiquing the design of technologies for selection procedures. The positive reaction of those who have voted on the symbols with requests for early use have justified the iterative nature of the methodologies used for this part of the project. However, constant re-evaluation will be necessary and in depth analysis of all the data received has yet to be completed.
authors: University of Southampton (UK).
authors: E A
authors: EA
authors: Draffan
authors: Speech Therapy Dept.,Hamad Medical Corporation (Qatar).
authors: Amatullah
authors: A
authors: Kadous
authors: Speech Therapy Dept.,Hamad Medical Corporation (Qatar).
authors: Amal
authors: A
authors: Idris
authors: Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Center).
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Banes
authors: Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Center).
authors: Nadine
authors: N
authors: Zeinoun
authors: University of Southampton (UK).
authors: Mike
authors: M
authors: Wald
authors: University of Southampton (UK).
authors: Nawar
authors: N
authors: Halabi
mesh_terms: D026683:Advisory Committees; D018912:Arabs; D003142:Communication; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D004014:Dictionaries as Topic; D006801:Humans; D061108:Social Media