I found the ideas of this lecture rather interesting. I hadn't ever really thought about how these simple symbols can be interpreted in so many different ways just by changing certain small bits of context, but after this lecture I was really thinking about it quite a bit.
Visual literacy is the idea of having a vocabulary with our images. The idea that we can create a language of symbols. The example that really got me thinking was the one of the cross. A simple cross. This could mean quite a few things so if an 'X' symbol is placed next to this cross, it obviously becomes a plus sign. Whereas if it were to be changed to the colour green, it would be the first aid symbol. I really hadn't thought about this idea in any kind of depth before, but I find it incredibly interesting.
The same thing worked with the toilet signs. Everyone recognizes the signs to toilets, even when other countries or buildings use different symbols to communicate the idea without words. Once we understand something, we can then really play with it and make it work to communicate something else. Pictures can be read just like words and they work across any language. The fact is that with these toilet signs, they are so simplistic, yet we all know what they mean.
This is even more interesting when we then think about different cultures as these can give new context to some things. An individuals own upbringing experiences could bring different meaning to a piece for them.
Visual syntax essentially means the components that build up the symbols and images. The many elements that can affect the meaning. The combination of these parts collectively create context for the symbol.
Visual semantics is about how the symbol then fits into the external context of the people or the countries. The things like culture and tradition can give these different meanings. The syntax's are universal but semantics are the interpretation.
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