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The linguistic status of Isotype

Burke, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0391-3740 (2011) The linguistic status of Isotype. In: Image and Imaging in Philosophy, Science, and the Arts. Ontos, Heusenstamm, pp. 31-58. ISBN 9783868381160

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Abstract/Summary

It is ironic that Otto Neurath, one of those responsible for the ‘linguistic turn’ in philosophy of the twentieth century, should have been concerned during the last twenty years of his life with developing a ‘pictorial language’. By using simplified pictograms as components, the Wiener Methode der Bildstatistik (later called Isotype) bypassed verbal language to a great extent, creating the potential for universal understanding of biological, social and economic correlations. However, despite its consistency and rigour, Isotype was not a complete language, and Neurath knew that it never could be. This paper will examine the linguistic characteristics of Isotype and describe the deliberate resistance on the part of its creators to develop a full theory behind it.

Item Type:Book or Report Section
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Arts and Communication Design > Typography & Graphic Communication
ID Code:26329
Uncontrolled Keywords:Isotype, Otto Neurath
Additional Information:Proceedings of the 33rd International Ludwig-Wittgenstein Symposium in Kirchberg, 2010
Publisher:Ontos

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