Elements and Systematization of ‘Reading Picture’ in Textless Picture Books through Semiotics

Abstract

Background Contemporary picture books are expanding to cover a wide range of readers, from children to adults, and the forms of picture books are also diversifying. Recent international awards received by a Korean author have brought significant attention to ‘textless picture books’ in South Korea. In contrast to traditional picture books, textless picture books adopt a ‘visual storytelling’ approach and actively communicate with modern readers in a ‘look and read’ manner. Academic research on picture books without text has been increasing since 2011, there remains a lack of research on new approaches to reading textless picture books. Therefore, there is a need to establish a new concept of ‘Reading Picture’ in modern textless picture books, which minimize text and convey stories through a visual-centered approach. Therefore, this study aims to elementalize and systematize of ‘Reading Picture in textless picture books. Methods The literature review focused on the unique characteristics of text and pictures in relation to picture books, the definition and recent trends in picture books, and semiotics. The concept of ‘Textless Picture Books’ and ‘Reading Picture’ were identified, and through the morphology and semiotics of semiotics, the four elements of ‘Reading Picture’ - immediacy, convenience, implication, and complexity – were - were identified and systemized into the ‘2i2c RP (Reading Picture) System’. The case analysis is a qualitative research method, and 12 textless picture books were selected from overseas award-winning books by Korean authors to systemize ‘Reading Picture’ into elements.