A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Have you ever heard the expression, "A picture is worth a thousand words?"
This is an example of "figurative language."
"A picture is worth a thousand words" uses figurative language. Figurative language is not to be taken literally. We are not saying that you could exchange a picture for one thousand words. Or that you can buy a picture with words. Or that you could describe a picture in exactly one thousand words.
Instead, we are saying that when you look at a picture, many details come into your mind about what is happening in the picture. You might be able to describe the five senses - what you see, feel, taste, hear, or touch - just by looking at a picture. Words, phrases, and sentences might flood your mind as you look at a picture.
You could read a few descriptive paragraphs that give a vivid picture in your mind as well, but oftentimes, a picture can do the same thing, or even more.
Look at the picture above. I believe this "picture is worth a thousand words." Ask yourself these questions:
1. Who are these women and how are they related?
2. How do they feel?
3. Where do they come from?
4. What experiences have they had?
5. They are beautifully dressed, but yet they do not seem happy. Why do you think that it so?
6. What language to they speak? Do they have an accent?
Look at this picture. Where are these people? Do you hear them talking? Are they unified or divided? What is the mood of the crowd - excitement, anger, happiness, hope? Have you ever been in a situation like this before?
Take a look at this picture. Where are these children from? What causes them to be so happy? Have they faced any hardships? Can you hear their chatter and their laughter?
Oh, look at this yummy dessert! Can you describe this cake? Is it a little hard on the outside and soft on the inside? Are those chewy, chocolate covered marshmallows on top? Perhaps the outside consists of a rich strawberry flavor. Are those rose petals on the table? Who is the cake for?
Please come join me for class!
We will look at pictures and talk about how "a picture is worth a thousand words!"
8 aprile 2020
