Beyond words
Communication is one of the most distinctive and fundamental characteristics of human beings. Throughout history, it has had the power to build empires and destroy them, to unite peoples and divide nations. Miscommunications have sparked wars and usurped thrones, demonstrating how crucial clarity is in conveying thoughts and intentions.
Immediate frames for complex problems
In the Quality Control department, communication plays a crucial role in ensuring ambitious standards and meeting customer expectations. Often, a photo cannot fully describe complex issues. Using videos is essential to show critical details such as movement dynamics or changes over time, which are necessary for a thorough understanding. For example, problems with bag closures, such as zippers that jam or do not close properly, or defective buttons on clothes or shoes, can be clearly documented and quickly resolved through videos. These are some practical examples of dynamic Video QC reports.
The power of graphics
Visual communication has always played a significant role. A simple image can synthesize complex concepts immediately. This is evident in graphics, which manage to convey powerful messages without the need for words. In marketing and advertising, graphics play a crucial role in capturing attention and communicating a message quickly and effectively. Logos of renowned fashion brands like Christian Louboutin, Thom Browne, Balmain, and Valentino are excellent examples of effective visual communication. These symbols not only stand out immediately to observers but also clearly communicate a message of prestige, refinement, and craftsmanship. A well-designed advertising campaign has the power to influence purchase decisions and transform perceptions and behaviours. For instance, Nike’s famous “Just Do It” campaign not only promoted its products but also inspired millions worldwide to overcome personal challenges through sports. This demonstrates how clear and powerful communication can be a driver of significant societal change.
Cinema and photography
Cinema and photography are fields where visual communication shows its evocative potential. Black and white has a unique ability to create intense and suggestive atmospheres. In Fritz Lang’s film “METROPOLIS,” the use of black and white with accentuated shadows creates a futuristic and dystopian world reflecting the social and political concerns of its time. The powerful images of dizzying skyscrapers and inhuman robots tell a story of alienation and hope without the need for words. Similarly, Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” uses black and white to amplify the sense of suspense and terror. The famous shower scene, with the stark contrast between blood and water, becomes even more chilling in its chromatic simplicity. The recent “Ripley” on Netflix uses black and white not only as a tribute to classic noir cinema but also to create a visual contrast that highlights the characters’ inner conflicts and emotions. This stylistic choice adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
Photography also has the power to evoke deep emotions through single images. Think of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” whose enigmatic smile has fascinated millions for centuries, or Steve McCurry’s famous “Afghan Girl” photo, published on the cover of National Geographic in 1985. The girl’s penetrating gaze drew global attention to the conditions of Afghan refugees, becoming a symbol of resilience and hope. Another example is Dorothea Lange’s “Migrant Mother,” which captures the suffering and dignity of a mother during the Great Depression. This image became an icon of documentary photography and helped raise public awareness of the hardships faced by farmworkers. Photojournalism uses the power of images to tell stories and influence public opinion. The “Tank Man” image during the Tiananmen Square protests is a perfect example of how a single photograph can convey courage and resistance in the face of oppression. Another example is the photo of the kiss between a sailor and a nurse in Times Square, taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt at the end of World War II, capturing a moment of pure joy and relief.
Languages and symbols
Nomadic peoples, moving from one region to another, often changed languages, but many of these languages derived from a common root. One of the earliest known forms of writing is cuneiform, developed by the Sumerians around 3400-3000 BCE. Cuneiform began as pictograms representing concrete objects and evolved into abstract symbols to represent sounds and syllables. At the same time, the Egyptians developed hieroglyphics, a system that used symbols to represent both objects and sounds. The Chinese also have a long tradition of writing based on ideograms, demonstrating how symbols can be a powerful form of communication. An interesting example is how Chinese ideograms have evolved from simple pictograms to complex meanings, such as the symbol “山” (mountain), which initially represented three peaks and is now stylized but recognizable.
Tattoos and marks
Tattoos are a formidable example of non-verbal communication. Through designs, symbols, and phrases, people express their identity, life experiences, passions, and desires. A tattoo can also serve as an implicit invitation to “ask me what it means,” creating a point of interest that facilitates approach and fosters connection between individuals. In many indigenous cultures, tattoos are used to indicate social status, personal achievements, or life experiences. For example, the Maori of New Zealand use facial tattoos, or “Moko”, to tell an individual’s personal story, including their genealogy and role in the community.
Non-verbal communication
Non-verbal communication is as powerful as words. Gestures, postures, facial expressions, and eye contact can convey emotions and intentions immediately and often more genuinely.
A simple yet significant gesture can express a universe of emotions without words. In body language, head tilting, hand positions, and even the distance between people can convey respect, interest, or hostility. For example, crossing arms often indicates defensiveness or closure, while keeping arms open and palms visible communicates openness and availability. Maintaining attention is always a delicate challenge, but, it is more effective to be understood with fewer words, even though this is equally difficult. The listener’s attention is limited over time, so synthesizing rather than adding information is a complex skill that requires practice and reflection.
Communication in the digital age
Today, communication is continually evolving. The use of abbreviations, emoticons, and slang in songs shows how language is adapting to the times. However, this can lead to a decline in language proficiency, with many making grammatical errors. The educational foundation seems less relevant in a world where communication is increasingly synthetic and immediate. For example, using emojis in text messages allows for the quick and visual expression of emotions and moods but may also reduce the need to articulate complex thoughts with words. Social platforms like Twitter and Instagram promote brief and visual messages, pushing people to be concise while also finding new creative ways to express themselves.
Slang
Teenagers have developed their own language, characterized by invented terms and unique slang, which helps them create a sense of belonging and identity within their group. Words like “cringe,” “lit,” and “flex” are just a few examples of how young people modify language to suit their reality and interests. This form of communication, often incomprehensible to adults, serves to reinforce social bonds among peers and express new nuances of meaning in a creative and dynamic way. Adolescent slang changes rapidly, with innovative words and phrases emerging regularly through pop culture, memes, and social media, making this language a fluid and continually evolving phenomenon.
The time capsule
Looking to the future, one might wonder: will we ever achieve mental understanding without the need for spoken words? With advancements in technology and neuroscience, it is possible to imagine a world where words are no longer necessary to convey our thoughts. This could represent a new frontier in communication, eliminating the linguistic and cultural barriers that currently separate us. Already, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are exploring ways to translate brain activity into commands for computers, paving the way for potential developments where communication occurs directly between human minds. This would not only revolutionize how we interact but could also offer new opportunities for people with communicative disabilities, improving their quality of life.
Are you still thinking about the flower?
I hope I have evoked precious memories, bringing hidden images from the depths of memory to light, like moths waiting to be discovered. May it have sparked new curiosity and renewed interest in films, photographs, and immortal works recognized by many, yet known to few for their true origin or the name of their creator. Someone said, “history does not remember facts, it remembers names,” and what is more powerful than a word passed down from crown to crown, dynasty to dynasty, lineage to lineage? Every name is a bridge connecting the past to the present, every work a beacon illuminating our path. May these stories inspire new generations to leave their mark, enriching the journey of collective memory.
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