Photo- Visual Literacy

Eshet-Alkalai points out to the shift from alphabetic literacy to Photo-Visual Literacy, in which icons have become the new letters. This Photo-Visual Literacy is based on the notion of using vision to think.

If we look for example at our computer desktop, at out car panel or at the cellular phone, weíll see that they all give us iconic information. These photo ñvisual signs serve as shortcuts for action and do away with the mediation of the cognitive skill of deciphering and understanding the alphabetic symbols.

Photo Speaks A Thousand Words

Each one of these photos speaks volumes. The range of emotions and thoughts that run through the mind of any person who views these photos varies. No one person has the exact same feelings as any other person who views these photos. One person may feel a stronger connection towards a photo of D-day, well another may feel more strongly about the picture of famine in Africa. The fact that everyones emotions varie is proof that more time is needed to be spent on photo-visual literacy, and the effects it has in everyday society.

Since the days of early man we have identified pictures with specific meaning. It seems more emphasis needs to be applied to photo visual literacy seeing how it connects with us much easier. Proof of this is the fact it was one of the first forms of written communication. This is represented above with the Egyptian Hieroglyphics and there translated meaning.