Using pictures
Pictures are very useful for people whose English is limited. In fact, pictures are useful for most readers.

Here are some examples of pictures. On the left side of the page are pictures you need to avoid, or at least stop and think about before using. On the right are pictures which are acceptable in the right context.

Signs and symbols will often need to be accompanied by an explanation. Even basic “male” and “female” symbols for washrooms may not be understandable.

There are two areas in which special care is necessary. The first is in using pictures which represent aspects of North American life or celebrations. The carved pumpkin lantern, witches, broom sticks and black cats for Hallowe’en have no equivalent in many other countries, so illustrating an invitation that is “labelled” with these symbols will not convey much meaning. The same is true for Thanksgiving pictures. Make sure you spell out in words what you mean.

The other caution applies to using Christian symbols. Christianity has been the principal religion in Europe for many centuries and was brought to North America by early missionaries and other immigrants. For this reason, Christian symbols are ingrained in our culture. Not only do most of us understand them, but they have become intertwined with non-Christian celebrations, so that there are times when we use both interchangeably. The Christmas tree is one instance. It has no relevance to Christianity, but it is called a Christmas tree and you can find it in almost every Christian church at Christmas time.

It is, of course, appropriate to use Christian symbols for Christianbased church services, prayer meetings and similar occasions. It is quite often inappropriate to use the same pictures for a simple seasonal get-together. Many Canadians do not practise any faith or are non-Christian and may feel insulted or excluded when Christian symbols are used in the wrong context.

For a secular party, use a picture of Santa Claus rather than a nativity scene. (You may still need to explain it, however.) Or find pictures which reflect other faiths and Canada’s rich diversity.

The Easter holiday is often mixed with Spring Break. Be even more careful about using Easter symbols. Do not muddle the religious significance of Easter with spring and fertility symbols. Using a cross or a white dove is a mistake unless the intention is Christian. If you use a picture of a lamb, make sure it is not accompanied by a second symbol such as a cross or a Jesus figure, as the lamb can represent Jesus as well as spring. If your intention is to celebrate spring, use pictures of rabbits, eggs, chicks or flowers. Whatever pictures you use, stop to think about whether they need a word description with them.