Can you figure out all the things this sign is trying to tell you?
Pictorial or graphic warning and instruction signs and labels are intended to be universally understood. That’s why they exist. There are roughly 6,500 different languages on this planet and space limitations, among other concerns, limit the ability to use multiple languages to explain warnings and instructions.
Many product makers and public space operators do use multiple languages in their warnings, but they generally stick to a few top choices, usually selected by anticipated regional audiences. Dual English and Spanish warnings, for example, are common in the U.S.
The problem is that it’s difficult to convey warnings or instructions using only graphics. I don’t recall how this sign came to me, but let’s use it as an example. My first reaction looking at it is it’s too complicated and no one’s going to notice or pay attention to it in the first place.
Studying it, let’s try to guess what it is trying to convey to people:
- Don’t touch anyone (or maybe just women or geishas)?
- Don’t sit?
- Don’t lean?
- Don’t smoke.
- Don’t eat.
- Don’t litter.
- Don’t take selfies?
Sounds like a fun place! But they left off, “Don’t breathe,” “Don’t blink,” “Don’t come here.”
Like maybe it’s in a Temple or shrine?