Analysing Visual Language

Why learn how to analyse visual language?

The VCAA English Study Design says so:‘analysis of ways in which language and visual features are used to present a point of view and to persuade readers’ It will be on Year 12 examIt is an important life skill.

“A picture is worth one thousand words”Adage

OMG! Do I have to write one thousand words about a picture?

NO Way!

You have to analyse the visual ALONG with the written or spoken language.

The visual may support the written/spoken language

ORThe visual may oppose the written/spoken

language

How significant the visual dictates how much of your essay will be

spent analysing the visual.

ExampleThe 2012 exam featured a speech and TWO of the speaker’s Power Point slides.

How do visuals influence and persuade us?

Images can SUPPORT a contention

• Images can illustrate a contention• Images can elicit feelings and emotions• Images can inform• Images can attack

Forms of Visual Language

• Photo• Picture/Drawing• Cartoon• Caricature• Graphic• Symbol

Photos can be staged OR real

Photos can make us view a person differently

Camera angle is important

Close Up

Wide Angle

Low Angle

Pictures and Drawings

Courtroom artist’s impressions can let us see what the cameras can’t.

Cliché pictures

Some pictures are used so often we know what the article will be about and what kind of response is desired.

Graphics can inform and influence

Cartoons can attack, mock, expose ….

Caricatures are often very critical

Symbols

• Recognisable• Evoke feelings• Have connotations• Can be held very dear

MONEY

The full body photo of an armed soldier on a city street supports the editorial’s contention that terrorists are making our city unsafe. The soldier is shown holding a semi automatic weapon which is intended to instil fear and alarm into the viewr further positioning the viewer to accept the contention.

Illustrating the opinion piece with a photo of an injured koala is similar to the persuasive techniques employed in the written language. Harold Forest is again appealing to our desire to care for and treasure our environment. The koala is an iconic Australian animal and a cute baby injured one is intended to make the viewer agree with Forest’s contention that bushfires are a man made tragedy.

The presenter includes a picture of a sick baby in hospital to make an emotional appeal intended to position the viewing audience to donate to the appeal. The smiling baby influences the viewer as the image appeals to our belief that our children’s hospital should be the best. The baby is smiling ,so must be getting better, and if we donate then this top quality service will make more sick babies well.