A Universal Language

Hello there,

As someone who has lived in many different countries, visual communication has helped me often adapt to a situation, or push forward a conversation. Sometimes visual representation can say more than words ever could. This is where I think the phrase "A picture can tell a thousand words" comes from. 

We use visual representations so often, that just like the concept of a metaphor, we don't really think about it. People can be explaining something using words and at the same time using their hands to describe what they are talking about for assistance. Proving that it is not just for those who have no other form of communicating. The reach of visual communication is endless. It goes from movies and pictures, to hand gestures that make up the only form of communication for some people. It is also important to note that visual information has saved lives. Because we use association and certain other cues, information reaches our brains and formulates an understanding even faster. For example when we drive. 

A stop sign is a perfect example that has saved lives because people automatically due to association and repetition know what it means. It can be argued that having a person scream "Stop ahead" may not produce the same results. 

Visual communication is a universal gateway between people and understanding. Let's remember that silent movies were a thing and people idolized pioneers of the genre like Charlie Chaplin, who was once told by Alber Einstein "What I most admire about your art, is your universality. You don't say a word, yet the world understands you!"

Visual information is received faster than reading words. If you take that same Stop sign and remove the word "Stop" most people will already associate the red octagon as a Stop sign due to association. 

Visual communication is the bridge between all people. You can travel across the world and not know a single word and manage to not only survive but adapt. And I know from experience. 

See you soon, 

K.