1. VISUAL LITERACY Definition: It is said that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’! In our society we are being bombarded by visual messages through the media – especially the non-print media such as television and the internet. The term Visual Literacy, therefore, refers to the ability to understand and produce visual messages. Learning experiences which allow learners to think critically about how images convey meaning should be essential inclusions in the classroom literacy programme. Definition: It is said that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’! In our society we are being bombarded by visual messages through the media – especially the non-print media such as television and the internet. The term Visual Literacy, therefore, refers to the ability to understand and produce visual messages. Learning experiences which allow learners to think critically about how images convey meaning should be essential inclusions in the classroom literacy programme. Visual material includes films, television programmes, pictures, photographs, cartoons, billboards and advertisements. Visual material includes films, television programmes, pictures, photographs, cartoons, billboards and advertisements.

2. Cartoons  Cartoons can be more than just light- hearted fun; they often reflect social trends or highlight serious issues.  A clever cartoon can have more impact than a whole article on the same subject as it can succinctly capture the essence of the issue.

3. Terminology  Body language: the facial expressions and positioning of a person that provide non-verbal clues about their mood and attitude.  Caricature: features or actions of a person are exaggerated to help the reader work out who is being represented. E.g. Nelson Mandela may be drawn in a Madiba shirt or Prince Charles may be drawn with big ears.  Intention: what is the cartoonist trying to achieve? Is the cartoon meant to amuse, make a political statement, or ridicule someone?

4. Terminology Irony: When one thing is said, but something else is meant. Irony: When one thing is said, but something else is meant. Parody: An imitation of a piece of writing used to ridicule the original or create a satirical point. Parody: An imitation of a piece of writing used to ridicule the original or create a satirical point. Satire: Uses humour to make a serious point. It involves using wit, irony or sarcasm to highlight human vices or follies. Satire: Uses humour to make a serious point. It involves using wit, irony or sarcasm to highlight human vices or follies.

5. Terminology Stereotypes: An exaggerated preconceived generalisation about the typical behaviour, attitudes, dress, etc. of various types of people. Stereotypes: An exaggerated preconceived generalisation about the typical behaviour, attitudes, dress, etc. of various types of people. Verbal clues: some parts of the drawing may be used to help the reader establish what the cartoon is about. Verbal clues: some parts of the drawing may be used to help the reader establish what the cartoon is about. Visual metaphor: in a metaphor two things are compared. In a visual metaphor, a picture stands for or represents something else. Visual metaphor: in a metaphor two things are compared. In a visual metaphor, a picture stands for or represents something else.

6. Terminology Speech bubble: Or a line between the speaker and the words to indicate who is speaking. Speech bubble: Or a line between the speaker and the words to indicate who is speaking. Thought bubble: look like clouds – indicate unspoken thoughts. Thought bubble: look like clouds – indicate unspoken thoughts. Caption: title, brief explanation or comment accompanying and illustration. Caption: title, brief explanation or comment accompanying and illustration.

7. Terminology Comic strip: sequences of drawings telling a humorous or adventurous story – found in newspapers, etc. Comic strip: sequences of drawings telling a humorous or adventurous story – found in newspapers, etc. Frame: one drawing in a comic strip. Frame: one drawing in a comic strip. Movement: indicated by means of vertical, curved and diagonal lines. Speedy action is indicated by streaky lines, or by the action going out of the frame. Movement: indicated by means of vertical, curved and diagonal lines. Speedy action is indicated by streaky lines, or by the action going out of the frame. Punctuation: clever use is made of punctuation to create meaning. Punctuation: clever use is made of punctuation to create meaning.

8. Questions Questions set on cartoons may test the following concepts: Questions set on cartoons may test the following concepts: The intention of the cartoonist The intention of the cartoonist Explaining why the situation is humorous Explaining why the situation is humorous Bias, prejudice and stereotypes Bias, prejudice and stereotypes Slang Slang Americanisms Americanisms Contractions Contractions Spoken register as opposed to written register Spoken register as opposed to written register Proverbs, idioms, sayings Proverbs, idioms, sayings

9. Questions Figures of speech: personification, paradox, pun, irony, etc. Figures of speech: personification, paradox, pun, irony, etc. Literal and figurative use of language Literal and figurative use of language Fact and opinion Fact and opinion Appeals to the senses Appeals to the senses Sound effects: alliteration, onomatopoeia Sound effects: alliteration, onomatopoeia Play on words Play on words Direct and indirect speech Direct and indirect speech Active and passive voice Active and passive voice