I keep a book on my desk that I pick up periodically. In its pages I find encouragement, information, and often just wonder at the depth of knowledge that is to be found in nature and in the world. The book is The Tree of Meaning: Language, mind and ecology by Robert Bringhurst. The work is a collection of thirteen essays by Bringhurst, but the idea behind “The Tree of Meaning” encompasses so much more. The “Tree of Meaning” is a concept developed by Robert Bringhurst, a renowned poet, typographer, and linguist. In his book “The Elements of Typographic Style,” Bringhurst explains that the Tree of Meaning is a metaphor for the hierarchical structure of language and how different levels of meaning are interconnected.
At the base of the tree, Bringhurst posits, are the roots, which represent the fundamental building blocks of language: phonemes, or the smallest units of sound. From these roots, the trunk of the tree emerges, representing the morphological structure of words. The branches of the tree represent syntax, the way words are combined to form phrases and sentences. Finally, the leaves of the tree represent semantics, the meaning of words and phrases.
Bringhurst argues that typography, or the design and layout of written language, should mirror the structure of the Tree of Meaning. In other words, the typographer should be mindful of the hierarchical structure of language and use typographic elements such as typeface, spacing, and layout to enhance the meaning of the text. For example, Bringhurst suggests that headlines should be set in a larger typeface than the body text to indicate their importance, and that the spacing between words and sentences should be adjusted to reflect the rhythm and flow of the language.
One of the key insights that Bringhurst offers in his discussion of the Tree of Meaning is that meaning is not fixed, but rather is constantly evolving as language is used and reinterpreted. For Bringhurst, the tree of meaning is a living, growing organism, and typography should reflect this dynamic nature of meaning. This can be achieved by using typographic variations such as different typefaces, sizes, and spacing to create a sense of movement and flow in the text.
Bringhurst’s concept of the Tree of Meaning is particularly relevant in today’s digital age, where written language is increasingly consumed on screens of all sizes. As a result, typography has become even more important as a tool for conveying meaning and creating an engaging reading experience. With the proliferation of digital devices, typographers have an even greater responsibility to ensure that the text is legible and easy to read on a variety of screen sizes and resolutions.
Robert Bringhurst’s Tree of Meaning is a powerful metaphor for understanding the hierarchical structure of language and the role of typography in enhancing meaning. It provides a framework for understanding how different levels of language, from the smallest units of sound to the meaning of words and phrases, are interconnected and how typography can be used to create a sense of movement and flow in the text. By understanding the Tree of Meaning, typographers can create more effective and engaging typographic designs that enhance the meaning of written language.
As I continue to contemplate the power of words, in both written and spoken ways, there are some important applications to be derived from the work of Robert Bringhurst. In one sense we are all now typographers who use the written language in a multiplicity of settings via social media or interpersonal interactions via text. How we choose to use the language and its appearance is important, and what follows are five big lessons that I believe to be important from the work of Robert Bringhurst.
- The importance of understanding the hierarchical structure of language: Bringhurst’s concept of the Tree of Meaning emphasizes the interconnectedness of different levels of language, from the roots of phonemes to the leaves of semantics. Understanding this structure can help one to better appreciate and analyze the meaning of written language.
- The role of typography in enhancing meaning: Bringhurst argues that typography should mirror the structure of the Tree of Meaning, using elements such as typeface, spacing, and layout to enhance the meaning of the text. This highlights the power of typography as a tool for conveying meaning and creating an engaging reading experience.
- The dynamic nature of meaning: Bringhurst’s Tree of Meaning is a living, growing organism, and meaning is not fixed but constantly evolving as language is used and reinterpreted. This highlights the importance of being open to different interpretations of language and understanding that meaning is not absolute.
- The importance of legibility and readability in digital age: With the proliferation of digital devices, Bringhurst’s Tree of Meaning highlights the importance of legibility and readability in creating effective and engaging typographic designs that enhance the meaning of written language.
- The responsibility of typographers: Bringhurst’s Tree of Meaning highlights the important role of typographers in ensuring that written language is legible and easy to read on a variety of screen sizes and resolutions, and that typography is used to create a sense of movement and flow in the text. This emphasizes the responsibility of typographers to use their skills to create effective and meaningful typographic designs.
Scot Loyd 