- From: Jason White <jasonw@ariel.ucs.unimelb.edu.au>
- Date: Sun, 8 Aug 1999 13:55:34 +1000 (EST)
- To: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines <w3c-wai-gl@w3.org>
Is the graph of a function equivalent to its equation? I am not sure how to answer such a question, but I would tend to say that they both express the same relationship in different ways. However, and more importantly, the effect of a sound or image is usually to supplement text, and not to operate as a substitute for it. Charles and I are in agreement that there is an upper limit to the conceptual complexity that can be conveyed non-linguistically. This is why I am arguing that instead of thinking in terms of "non-textual equivalents to text", we should instead be asking the question: under what circumstances should non-linguistic (auditory/visual) representations be provided as an aid to comprehension, and what recommendations can be laid down in regard to their proper use? Charles and I are in agreement, it seems, that not every actual and potential document conveys information that can be represented, or clarified, non-linguistically; but there remains a significant class of cases in which this is not only possible but also of positive cognitive benefit. We need to find ways of characterising these cases and formulating a more precise requirement that can be practically applied.
Received on Saturday, 7 August 1999 23:55:46 UTC