We read with shapes not with letters.

http://www.1000topics.com/jumbled-letters-still-readable/

Above is a link that shows how the human mind can still read a completely misspelled paragraph. This shows how the human brain through years of learning how to spell, read, and write sticks with basic function of shape to interpret the meaning. This is a perfect example how we identify more with shape then a specific letter.

Why is visual literacy important?

We live in an increasingly visual culture. We are surrounded by images everywhere in our lives. By looking at and studying photographs with your students, you will help them better understand the complexities of their world.Visual literacy is defined as the ability to understand communications composed of visual images as well as being able to use visual imagery to communicate to others. Students become visually literate by the practice of visual encoding (expressing their thoughts and ideas in visual form) and visual decoding (translating and understanding the meaning of visual imagery).It is important that students learn to recognize and understand the often-complex messages of photographic images.

HOW TO READ THE PICTURE

How to read a picture? That seems very pretentious. A picture may be read for itself alone as clearly as a printed page. Look at this link below.
http://www.noodletools.com/debbie/literacies/visual/diglitnews.pdf
What you have discovered?

I-Phone Words Not Needed

The I-Phone is a perfect example of how new technology is evolving to incorporate Photo- visual literacy. People are now capable of finding desired applications on there phone by simply looking for the specific picture and pressing it. The symbol for safari( Internet ) is the compass, this symbol is so well known with Mac ( Macintosh Computers ) users that they no longer need the word internet or safari they simply have to find the picture. This is perfect for communicating with people from all different ethnic backrounds because most can identify with a picture like the compass and understand its meaning.

Technorenaissance: the new literacy