Publishing Journal ›› 2019, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (3): 39-.

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Pragmatic Interpretation of Iconotext Design Principles for Picturebook

  

  • Online:2019-05-15 Published:2019-05-15

Abstract:

[Abstract] Through the lens of pragmatics, to realize the special effects of iconotexts requires close attention
to how pragmatic implications can be generated through a holistic design of images and texts. The theoretical
constructs of Levinson’s principles of conversational implication as well as pragmatic presupposition were
adopted to interpret representative cases drawn from excellent picturebooks. Three mechanisms of creating
pragmatic implications of iconotexts were proposed : image serving as the context for text; text serving as
the context for image; and image echoing with text through different expressions. On that basis, the following
strategies were suggested for picturebook design and popularization : promoting deep conversations between
writers and illustrators; popularizing the design principles of iconotexts as illustrated by detailed case analysis;
and fostering in readers the comprehensions of the pragmatic implicatures of iconotexts.