Point It Takes the Language out of Language Barrier
December 19, 2009 | Laura Carroll
Point It's essential imagery
I get a kick out of Point It, the pocket-sized picture dictionary by Deiter Graph that has received more-than-decent reviews for its endless travel-related imagery.
I first saw the book in the Museum of Modern Art in New York and, having recently returned from a trip through several rural European towns, recognized its potential value (Europe’s city-dwellers may have a firm grasp on our language, but much of its town folk do not). Though I’m not actually sure if I’d have the nerve to point out lamb shanks or a pair of high heels – or how far it would get me when the response would be in a language I clearly don’t understand – I bought the book thinking I’d either give it as a gift or throw it in my suitcase in case of any lingual emergency.
I assume that the use of Point It stirs an ensuing gesture frenzy that confirms any doubts about your tourist status – potentially limiting your chance at ever learning the language and certainly causing some local laughs. But if you’re shy, headed for a no-English territory or simply a one-tongue speaker, this book might just might save your day.
My grandparents, who speak nothing but English, traveled by train from the Netherlands to Italy using this book and swore it was the most helpful thing ever. You may look silly using it, but if you only speak English, who cares? Point It can get you through.