This paper develops a theoretical context for the concept that visual literacy involves a specific type of information processing that has been discussed in the literature on symbolism and epistemology for a number of years. Literacy is discussed first, as a general process of information processing involving the generation of knowledge through…

An examination of key symbols and structures of the recent film, "Fried Green Tomatoes," reveals the nature of the process of coding representations of the real world and its effects. The movie depicts two parallel stories of female friendship. Changes and development of the characters are primarily portrayed through changes in their…

The value of visual literacy, the ability to recognize and interpret natural and manmade symbols, to a student of foreign language is stressed. Three groups of nonverbal signs--kinesic elements, environmental elements, and objects invested with a special meaning--are discussed, and methods for teaching visual literacy described. (RM)

Visual modes of communication are described in this book, which also attempts to show some of the layers of meaning implicit in visual forms and symbols and something of what these can tell about people in general and their subconscious striving for self-identification. It is composed of a series of selected images--photographs, cartoons,…

Three of four severely retarded adolescents and young adults learned to use computer-based lexigrams to request foods and, subsequently, objects. Additional request experience with lexigrams resulted in consistent improvement on labeling and comprehension tasks, emergence of subject-initiated lexigram communications, and facilitation of spoken…

New approaches are needed if educators are to deal successfully with the problem of teaching children to learn to read words well. Interesting questions come to the fore if those who seek solutions to this difficulty regard the reading of words as a subset of the wider problem of reading the class of visual signs in general, which includes (1)…