Visually literate persons are able to read visual messages, compose visual language statements, and translate from visual to verbal and vice versa. They learn attitudes, behaviors, and questions to ask which enable them to think abstractly and analytically. Successful viewing depends on the use of multiple cues similar to those in oral and written language. Viewers derive meaning from the semantic and syntactic cueing systems. Semantic cues deal with background knowledge and the meaning expressed in the visual message.
Visual syntax refers to the arrangement of the elements of design to convey a message.
Examples of syntactic cues are juxtaposition for contrast, fadeback or flashforward, and close-up or long shot to signal a beginning or ending of a scene or selection. In order to be effective viewers, learners must understand and be able to consciously manipulate the information available in these two systems. In addition, visual language is different from verbal communication in that it can be more powerful because of the vivid images conveyed by body language or immediate events such as volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, or a winning touchdown. The same visual message can be comprehended by people of various linguistic groups giving it instant and universal appeal. Pictorial traffic signs are examples of universally understood messages.