Richmond, Mark, et al:
Now (and I referred to the Symbol World website
{http://www.symbolworld.org/}) I see a move away from a literate
populace to one that communicates with Glyphs/Icons/Pictographs - and
I find this a bit worrying as it seems to be a step backwards -
leading to a paucity of expression (see section in Gulliver's
Travels).
I don't see it that way at al:
I may be an ignorant foole because I can't read any language but
English (and a tiny bit of Swedish); but it certainly that does not
make me illiterate.
In today's world where a software application can be downloaded
virtually anywhere in the world, what better method is available to
present the UI in a manner that those who don't speak the language of
the programer may understand? And using icons as label fields and
column headings has a MAJOR advantage over text: they remain the same
size regardless of the the language. So if one is translating an
application from French to German, for example, one need not be
concerned whether the German label text takes up more field space than
the same text in French. Icons can have toolTips for those who feel
the need for textual confirmation.
Communication is not just verbal. I knew no Swedish when I arrived in
Stockholm for graduate studies at the University's Institute for
English Speaking Students; but I had little problem understanding the
symbols directing foot and vehicle traffic on city streets and the open
road.
And communicating the nature of text displayed or to be entered with an
icon (and supplemental tootTip if desired) label does not, IMFO, lead
to a paucity of expression. A label is a label, not a jumping off
point for an intellectual discussion.
Where I see grammar and literacy under attack daily in America is on
television, especially in local news broadcasts and closed-caption text
[not to mention NASCAR race commentators]. Grammar and spelling are
under serious assault here in the US; but I don't see programmers who
employ label icons as leading the charge.
Indeed, I see them [including moi] working to broaden communication
with those whose native language we have not learned.
Rob Cozens
CCW, Serendipity Software Company
"And I, which was two fooles, do so grow three;
Who are a little wise, the best fooles bee."
from "The Triple Foole" by John Donne (1572-1631)
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