Reading foreign-language texts is often quite challenging. Comprehension issues interrupt the flow of reading and make it difficult for readers to completely immerse themselves in the story. «Interlangue» explores how visual design in foreign-language reading matter can go beyond a supporting role and become an essential part of the transfer. In a handy paperback format, scripts and a targeted use of visuals make the reading and acquisition process dynamic in terms of visuals and content. Readers are introduced to a reading structure which promotes an independent and intuitive crossing of language barriers. This paves the way for an immersive and effortless engagement with foreign-language texts.
In her B.A. dissertation project, Janiva Wittmer demonstrates the role and relevance of visual communication as part of the methods of an autonomous language acquisition process, and the impact it has especially in terms of the graphical arrangement, the handling of images and the general typographical effect. The organisation of the text elements has a significant influence on the reader’s comprehension of the text, and particularly so in the case of foreign-language acquisition. In addition, Janiva’s project shines a light on the insufficient dialogue between linguistics and visual design and shows how visual communication can be assigned a more important role within the methods of language acquisition. Because of this insufficient collaboration there are still many opportunities for further research and development. With her project, Janiva has accomplished real innovation and enrichment in the context of language learning materials. It is a joyful, surprising, well-researched work of the highest quality at all design levels, and thus presents considerable potential for further development and research. – Excerpt from the supporting statement of the Subject Area Visual Communication
«‹Interlangue› embodies a new form of foreign-language reading – it conveys the spoken language in a natural way and enables effortless engagement with a foreign language through precise arrangement of text and images.» – Janiva Wittmer
«As a graphic designer I want to use my skills to not just create aesthetic value but also develop fundamentally new forms of conveying content through visual design.» – Janiva Wittmer
