Linguistic Aesthetics
〰️
2023
〰️
Linguistic Aesthetics 〰️ 2023 〰️
Interaction Design Printmaking Motion Design Collaboration
Linguistic Aesthetics is an innovative exploration of the profound role that languages play in uniting diverse individuals. This multidisciplinary project employs Risograph prints, Adobe After Effects, and the cutting-edge technology of Augmented Reality via the Artivive app. The project revolves around the concept that language can be a powerful catalyst for breaking down barriers, fostering intercultural connections, and enhancing one's understanding of different cultures.
Roles: Researcher, Interviewer, Transcriber, Data Collection, Visual Designer
Timeline: 5 Months
Media: Risograph Prints, Adobe After Effects, and Augmented Reality (Artivive)
The languages represented are (From left to right, with names):
-Pashto (Muji)
-Hindi (Aamir)
-Danish (Sam)
-Spanish (Tommy)
-Korean (Brandon)
-Twi (also known as Akan)(Natalie)
-Urdu (Mahima)
-Arabic (Hamza)
Interviews with Multilingual Friends
Central to Linguistic Aesthetics is a series of in-depth interviews with eight friends, each knowledgeable in a different language. These interviews capture their unique experiences, emotions, and insights when using their respective languages. Through candid conversations, the project sheds light on how language shapes their interactions and self-expression.
Zines
The project encapsulates the essence of these interviews through meticulously designed zines. Each zine is dedicated to one of the languages highlighted in the interviews and contains curated questions and answers. These zines provide a tangible and intimate gateway, inviting viewers to explore the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity. In a unique touch, viewers were welcome to take some of these zines home with them.
Throughout the zine creation process, I upheld active and collaborative communication with my friends. I consistently shared the translations generated by Google Translate and welcomed their invaluable insights to guarantee the project's precision and authenticity. The zine covers featured each friend's favorite words and phrases in their respective languages, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the project.
Considering the constraints of the risograph machine, which allowed for only five colors, I strategically employed two colors per zine. This deliberate separation serves to distinguish between the language and its English translation. Notably, for languages read from right to left, I adjusted the placement of the translations accordingly to maintain clarity and cultural accuracy.
Embark on a journey to explore their experiences by clicking on their respective zines.
Posters
The aesthetic posters in Linguistic Aesthetics play a pivotal role in complementing the zines, creating a visual tapestry that encapsulates the essence of each language while harmonizing the realms of art and linguistics. These posters serve as a portal, inviting viewers to connect with the visual and emotional intricacies woven into language, thus fostering a deeper understanding of each language's distinct beauty.
Within these posters, you will find a reflection of my friends' linguistic preferences, featuring their favorite words and phrases that align with their zines. The posters also incorporate their names, some of which hold cultural significance, their ages, and selected words that resonated deeply during our interviews. The consistent use of two-color separation is employed to distinguish between the language and its English translation.
When the zines are unfolded, the back contains the posters, offering viewers an opportunity for a closer look.
To delve deeper into their posters and gain a closer look, you can click on the respective posters for a more immersive experience.
Motion Graphics
In the pursuit of elevating the immersive experience of Linguistic Aesthetics, motion graphics emerge as a pivotal tool. These visually captivating elements inject vitality into the linguistic narratives, fostering an interactive and engaging journey, especially when paired with the Artivive app.
Each motion graphic is a reflection of the essence found in the zine covers. The overarching goal was to craft distinct, looped animations that bring the zine cover artwork to life. Each animation is thoughtfully brief, lasting less than 8 seconds.
To witness this kinetic type in action, you can click to activate and view their engaging, colorful motion.
Augmented Reality (Artivive)
The integration of the Artivive app within Linguistic Aesthetics represents a groundbreaking advancement for the project. This innovative technology plays a pivotal role in elevating viewer engagement. By using the Artivive app, viewers can bring the motion graphics to life, immersing themselves in an augmented reality experience that enhances their understanding of the project's linguistic narratives.
Notably, this augmented reality experience is activated seamlessly without a QR code. The Artivive platform instantly recognizes the zine covers, ensuring a user-friendly and immersive encounter for the viewers.
To explore the transformative capabilities of augmented reality, click on the videos and experience how this technology complements the project.
Linguistic Aesthetics celebrates language's role as a unifying force across diverse cultures, promoting dialogue on the beauty and significance of language in connecting people. This project showcases the power of art and technology in fostering cross-cultural understanding. Through interviews, zines, posters, and augmented reality, it invites viewers on an emotionally and visually engaging exploration of languages, emphasizing their role in uniting people and promoting cultural exchange.