The parti diagram, as concise representation of an conceptual idea, has graphic aspects that are both explanatory and inferential. Perhaps certain aspects of the description of a concept are textual, and here multi-media techniques would enter the game. The idea of multiple readings of a single parti diagram can be defined purely graphically. The introduction of language begins to specify further the graphic representation. However, I think that we should keep in mind that natural language is in itself an ambiguous representation of a mental construct. (I wonder how important the direct translation of a mental image or thought to a non-mental world is to the design or thought process. Perhaps the inconsistencies in the translation can be considered the powerful element for creative design.)
The link between language and graphic, however is an important one. We understand certain graphic manipulations with a specified word. How can we try to translate the meaning of the word in a explicit graphic form?