Telling a story with less words

A DigitalNZ Story by Kowhai Reader

In today's world of people being time poor and/or wanting instant gratification, even our language is evolving to compensate. From texting to emoji's, here are some of the ways we now tells our stories and communicate with each other.

Text language, social media, cartoons, emoji, slogans, graffiti, forms of writing

Text language and messaging through social media is a constantly evolving form of communication.

Image: Text language

Text language

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Cartoons are another way to make a statement, tell a story or comment on current affairs in a snapshot.

Cartoons are another way to quickly get a message across, make a comment on current affairs or tell a story.

Image: Suffrage cartoons: cleaning up politics

Suffrage cartoons: cleaning up politics

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Slogans can be created to show support, pride or encourage a certain type of behaviour.  I love that "Buy NZ Made" was a thing as far back as 1927.

From bill boards to headlines, these forms of communication have often taken on a life of their own and become familiar popular culture.

Image: Bumper sticker, Pay parity

Bumper sticker, Pay parity

NZEI Te Riu Roa (New Zealand Educational Institute)

Graffiti is also a form of communication, whether it supports an agenda or simply marks a territory.

Image: Springbok Tour - graffiti

Springbok Tour - graffiti

Palmerston North City Library

Image: 'Punk is My Struggle' graffiti, Auckland

'Punk is My Struggle' graffiti, Auckland

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira