VISUAL MEANS FOR PRESENTING PROXEMIC RESTRICTIONS IN ENGLISH-LANGUAGE INFOGRAPHIC TEXTS RELATING TO COVID-19

Abstract

This article is devoted to highlighting graphic features for presenting proxemic constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they are conveyed in small infographic texts. It is established that their creators use various means to present the concept of safe distancing, among which arrows of varying forms, sizes, and colours are predominant. It was found that there are also other optional strategies to present distancing, such as the use of stylized skis, universally-known objects with a suitable length. Most of the texts are characterized by visual tactics which graphically objectify the principle of safe distancing. On the basis of illustrative source material, specific schemes for the placement of females and males and of different age groups in park areas, shops, and offices were recorded. It was established that although their creation is based on visual graphics, they also have verbal components which duplicate the pictorial devices. These are used to specify and express the content, and to focus on the most important parts of the message, including the maintenance of a safe distance of 2m or its equivalent of 6 feet.