# Pictoral Alphabets Icon Sentences Are The New Universal Language By Howard Wu | Published 2009-01-13 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icon-sentences-universal-language References: [core77](http://www.core77.com/gallery/SECOND) & [66.223.50.26](http://66.223.50.26/code/emuseum.asp?style=browse¤trecord=1&page=search&profile=exhibitions&searchdesc=Current) “Book from the Ground” by Xu [Bing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bing), is featured at the [Museum of Art and Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enigmatic-graffiti) in New York, as part of their “Second Lives” exhibit. Universal math, science, music and traffic symbols, now recognized as “icons” share the same definition in so many languages, that their use as a font style allows for communication without words. Using a [normal keyboard](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keycons-library), Bing has used these symbols in the displayed “icon sentences.” Perhaps the layman’s description of these images could be the computer’s version of characters in the Chinese language, which is pictorially-based, rather than alphabet-based. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/internet) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Icon Sentences:** Using universal icons as a font style for communication without words. - **Pictorial Language:** Exploring the use of pictorial characters as a communication tool. - **Symbolic Communication:** Using symbols as a form of universal language. ### Where This Applies - **Graphic Design:** Utilizing icons and symbols for visual communication in various design projects. - **Language Learning:** Developing innovative ways to teach languages using pictorial characters. - **Digital Communication:** Creating new methods of communication that rely on symbols and icons instead of words. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Visual Graphic-Inspired Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esc-keys.md) - [Typographic-Inspired Intricate Textiles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glyph-collection.md) - [Expansive Emoticon Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amicons.md) - [Text-Deciphering Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/picture-translate.md) - [Tactile Braille Emoticons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braille-emoticons.md) - [Online Symbol Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/copy-paste-symbols.md) - [Dynamic Visual Communication Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/converstory.md) - [Vintage Icon-Themed Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/susan-kare.md) - [Cheeky Inaccurate Language Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-of-wonky-english.md)