Kuvailleet

Kuvailleet is a neologism used in Finnish literary and media studies to refer to the set of imagery and scenes that a text evokes in the reader’s mind. The term combines kuvali- or kuva- meaning image or depiction with a suffix that signals a collective or plural notion, signaling the collection of depicted visuals a narrative inspires. The concept is primarily analytical, focusing on how diction, sensory detail, and figurative language contribute to the mental pictures readers form, rather than on plot details alone.

In practice, kuvailleet describes how a narrative or audiovisual work constructs vivid internal images—settings, characters, actions, atmospheres—through description, metaphor, and composition. It is related to concepts such as imagery, mood, and setting, but emphasizes the perceptual impact on the audience. The term is most common in academic discussions of narrative technique and media aesthetics, where analysts examine how different stylistic choices shape the reader’s or viewer’s imagined visuals.

Usage notes: Kuvailleet is not a widely used everyday Finnish term; it appears mainly in scholarly writing and classroom discussions. When introduced to general audiences, it is common to provide a brief explanation or translate it as “depicted imagery” or “evoked imagery,” depending on the context.