You´re bound to have had a go at semaphore as a child by learning how to spell out your name with the coloured flags, or you read about it being used in adventure stories. By holding two flags in certain positions, letters and numbers can be communicated across long distances. Traditionally used in the maritime industry during the 19th century, semaphore flags are still used today during underway replenishment at sea and as a form of emergency communication. In mountainous regions, where other forms of communication may be difficult, semaphore is still used, as it is by lifeguards in some sea rescue companies. The peace symbol was originally designed by combining the semaphoric symbols for the letters ‘N’ and ‘D’, standing for ‘Nuclear Disarmament’ enclosed in a circle.

Morse code is another form of communication you will have heard of and no doubt given a try at some point. By using a series of on-off dots, clicks and tones, messages can be transmitted and understood by those skilled in how to interpret them. The International Morse Code is comprised of unique sequences of dots and dashes, each representing a number or letter. Popular with amateur radio operators, Morse code is often used even though it´s not actually required for licensing. Air traffic controllers and pilots are only required to have a basic understanding whilst aeronautical navigational aids use it a lot for identification purposes. Perhaps the most commonly recognised signal is for ‘SOS’ which is comprised of three dots, three dashes and three dots. This emergency distress signal is internationally recognised by treaty.

If you prefer the art of real conversation to these time-honoured classics of communication, why not brush up on your English skills and speak in words rather than signals!