This article has been subjected to double blind peer review

author: Anne Ketola (University of Tampere (FI))

Teaching Intersemiotic Meaning Construction in Design

language: english

abstract: In this paper I examine the mechanisms of intersemiotic meaning construction that are at play when we combine messages created by words and images. In order to ex-emplify the semiotic space that can be created between the two sign systems, I pro-vide examples of picturebook translation; a process in which visual semiotic elements inevitably shape the transferal of verbal semiotic elements from one language to an-other. With the help of these examples, I wish to empirically illustrate how these mechanisms unfold and demonstrate the power of the visual semiotic to the reshape our interpretation of the verbal. I argue that creating a sensibility towards intersemi-otic meaning construction ought to be an integral part of the curriculum in all fields of communication, including design. Knowledge of these mechanisms provides de-signers with a tool to create powerful messages in and across semiotic modes. I con-clude my discussion by outlining insights to inform the pedagogical practice of design training.

citation information: Anne Ketola, Teaching Intersemiotic Meaning Construction in Design, "Ocula", vol.17, November 2016. DOI: 10.12977/ocula72

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