We started debating the importance of learning multiple languages. Some were enthusiastic, saying it would open ourselves to new horizons and allow us to converse with people from all over the world. Others were more hesitant, fearing that learning multiple languages might distance us from our mother tongue which they want to cherish and preserve. 

These debates flowed until a pivotal question arose: If we cherish our mother tongue so much, are none of us watching movies in other languages? Be it Jurassic Park, Home Alone, Koi Mil Gaya, Krrish, Chennai Express, historical movies like Bahubali, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, Heeramandi; From Hollywood to Kollywood, what’s more – K-dramas also have become quite
the trend.

From there, the discussions took an unexpected turn. We found ourselves diving deeper, curious as we began opening ourselves to a new perspective.  

Long before the development of spoken language, our ancestors – the early humans found ways to communicate through ART. The cave paintings, carvings, and symbols we see today, aren’t just decorative; they were first the forms of communication. Art was humanity’s first and original language, a way to express thoughts and emotions without words. 

I remembered a dialogue from the evergreen movie Nadigaiyar Thilagam – A biopic of the famous veteran actress Savitri. Gemini Ganeshan tells her “Puththagathai ariya mozhi thevai; Oru mozhiyai ariya puththagam podhadhu” transl. “Language is needed to know the book; A book is not enough to learn a language” – when she struggles to learn Tamil through a book.
He emphasizes that a language is more than words. He also emphasizes that, if we understand a person’s feelings and expressions, words can be easily grasped and language learning becomes simple.  

Just as language enables us to connect with others, visual art and design are powerful tools that break down these barriers. They build bridges with people across the globe by sharing ideas, emotions and cultural values. Through visual expressions, we convey our emotions, ideas and stories that resonate across cultures and generations, making art and design vital for promoting understanding. 

From Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, to the logos of Apple, McDonald’s, KFC – regardless of the viewer’s language, they universally convey and resonate with the artist’s emotion, and the brand’s vision and mission. 

What started as a debate on the importance of learning multiple languages turned into a realization: Language is not just a skill to be acquired for travel or job placements. Instead, it is an art – an art of understanding, an art of expression. Visual art and design are global tools that bridge the gaps in communication where words may fail or become inadequate, promoting understanding and connection. 

On this International Literacy Day, let’s celebrate the power of art and design as tools for connection and understanding Let’s commit to integrating them into our efforts to promote literacy and education for all.