干旱区生态环境知识资源中心

"How are ideas about the tourist-destination Morocco produced and communicated to the visitors?", we asked in a research project funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).(1) Based on fieldwork and empirical studies in Morocco, our focus was on contributing to a theory of this particular form of transcultural communication. We considered applying visual research methods and presenting findings in. cinematographic form essential for studies in the image-based field of tourism.

Besides texts we prepared cinematographic documentaries for publication. The film L’Art du Desert as discussed in this paper is just a first step on the way exploring the scientific potenzial of visual media. Can images be used to communicate theoretical insights? To allow for discussion of this question and to further devellop methodological strategies we decided to present our preliminary results.

In non-abstract images our video-material shows processes of communicating culture in Morocco. We see how those who offer services in tourism interact with their clients. Editing the takes in particular ways allows us to unveil specific patterns of behaviour. Juxtaposing images becomes a method of analysis. Cuts introduce meaning. Statements are made with the techniques of montage. In a non-verbal way we get insight into the priciples that guide the phenomena. And that is precicely our understanding of what is a theory: giving insight into the principles behind phenomena. So theory is expressed in a purely visual form.