Towards a bilingual graphic imaging system.

This research explored the development of a 'bilingual graphic imaging system'. The 'system' is 'sociocultural', where the two languages of communication are English and the lesser used language - Gaelic. The aim of the research was to investigate the parameters and potentials of bilingual graphic design with the objective of improving bilingual (Gaelic/English) design. This required investigating the context, the design process and the resulting published material. A contextual review revealed that the literature relating to bi/multilingual graphic design was sparse and scattered across disciplines (typography, computer science, sociology and linguistics). The cross disciplinary aspect was not surprising given the nature of the subject i.e. that (bilingual) graphic design is multidisciplinary, however key literature from designers and linguists referred to the lack of appropriate literature on the subject. Other problems emerging from the literature were the multiple perspectives on documents and what they contain, and the need for a theoretical framework for documents enabling the sharing of information from different fields of knowledge. Graphic design research methods moved from reductionism to later, participatory methods and the use of 'tacit knowledge'. The specific objectives of the research were to identify 'models' of bilingual design and to improve, through the systemic design process, the bilingual (Gaelic/English) graphic work. The methodology was therefore characterised by a practice-led approach i.e. the research was generated by practice and carried out through practice. The researcher was employed as senior designer at a publishing company where 'real world' design briefs were used as case studies. The case studies explored in depth several types of bilingual documents and critical responses to each case from four perspectives were obtained to provide an objective analysis on the published documents. These different case perspectives illustrated the parameters of assessment: e.g. from the micro spacing of typography (typesetting) to the fundamental problem of language and cultural development in a minority language context. From the case studies important design considerations emerged which illustrated some key 'problems' and 'principles' of bilingual graphic design which had previously not been made explicit e.g. scheduling problems, inclusion of Gaelic to signify the cultural context. Questionnaires were distributed in Scotland and Wales the response to which provided a wide range of bilingual print material. These were collated and typical and unusual 'models' were identified. Comparisons and contrasts made on the collected material together with the cases illuminated some of the parameters of bilingual design and identified bilingual 'models' which previously had not been defined, e.g. the back to back codex model, bilingual versions and bilingual editions. This thesis provides an overview of multilingual graphic design. A basic conceptual model for bilingual documents was created, where 'visual balance' and 'linguistic equivalence' are the fundamental considerations for the bilingual designer. The written text was accompanied by an exhibition - 'Parallel Lines' as part of the MPhil. thesis. A 'critical tradition' for bilingual graphic work appears to be lacking and the conclusion from the research is that further interdisciplinary research is necessary for this specialist area of graphic design. To this end a series of recommendations were made towards not only improving bilingual documents, but language and cultural strategic considerations.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Robert Gordon University

Year dc:date.issued

1996

Author dc:creator

• Delday, Heather

• Bilingual graphic imaging system
• Sociocultural
• English
• Gaelic
• Graphic design
• Practice-led

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:2807359
https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2807359

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:2807359