2.1 Introduction

Whether or not we share it with other species, there is no doubt that the ability to symbolize is generally considered to be the entrance to human culture.[You94]

**Figure 2.1:** Cave Painting in Valon-pont-d'Arc Depicting Rhinoceroses [Clo]
$\includegraphics[height=7cm]{images/cave4}$

Visual communication and the art of story telling have a long history. Cave paintings at Chauvet or Valon-pont-d'Arc are more than 30000 years old. Since then man has used ever more sophisticated materials: clay, papyrus, parchment, paper and eventually electronic media. About 2500 years ago the alphabet in its current form was invented. Since Gutenberg's invention written language has become the most common form of mass communication and oral and visual communication have lost much of their significance.

It is only recently that the position of written language has been challenged and its authority and indeed its appropriateness questioned. This chapter examines the benefits and short comings of visual communication. It also describes some existing visual languages in more detail. But first general issues and terms are discussed in more detail.

Next: 2.2 Icon Versus Symbol Up: 2. Visual Languages Previous: 2. Visual Languages Contents

Arno Hollosi 2001-01-09