6. Media and Information Languages (1).pdf

Media and Information Languages  Information It comes in various forms: written or audiovisual content being processed by the audience. Written texts- readers consider word use, sentence constructions, paragraph development, and the meanings that these constructions convey.  Writte...

Media and Information Languages  Information It comes in various forms: written or audiovisual content being processed by the audience. Written texts- readers consider word use, sentence constructions, paragraph development, and the meanings that these constructions convey.  Written texts  Information Audiovisual contents- processed by looking into the spoken message and accompanying video. You have to process what you hear, feel, and experience.  Audiovisual contents  Media Language It refers to how media producers make meaning about a certain medium (advertisement, TV show, film, etc.) they are producing and transfer that meaning to their target audience. In interpreting signs and symbols, the audience may interpret text denotatively and connotatively.  Denotative VS. Connotative Denotative meaning- the literal meaning of the text Connotative- refers to the various interpretations that the text suggests to the audience which are often associated with their culture, beliefs, etc. Ex: thumbs up may mean “Job well done” but in Western culture, it means a rude gesture.  Media Codes and Conventions In interpreting the meaning of the media text, you have to be able to understand two of the most significant aspects of media and information language- codes and conventions. Codes have an established meaning and conventions refer to possible methods in which codes are organized in a product. Codes Used to make an informed and critical understanding of information Made up of signs with meanings that are assigned based on agreed-upon interpretations within a cultural and symbolic community. TYPES: Symbolic, Written, Technical, and Social Codes Symbolic Codes Visual cues that carry meaning Objects, colors, clothing, and other symbols mean something based on culture and context. Examples: Green- symbol of the environment Money- envy Cat- resurrection because of its 9 lives Black cats- ominous or bad luck Written Codes Refers to the use of language in words on paper, as well as how the space is used to communicate information On the website, words set in capital letters, bigger font size, and boldface are the center of the message. In advertisements, disclaimers are usually smaller because there are terms that qualify. Written Codes The form and content are thus important in analyzing written codes which are adjusted by the creators or producers based on their goals and what actions they expect from the receivers of their messages. Technical Codes Refer to the meanings generated from how a certain piece of information is created Camera angles, lighting, cinematography, framing, depth of the field, and other film styles add another layer to how meanings are interpreted.  Indie films and documentaries  News Report and Flash Report sound effects Social Codes Refer to verbal and nonverbal cues used in interaction based on the conventions of cultural groups Examples: 1. Stuttering during the interview- discomfort, nervousness, and lying 2. Distance and closed arms- not comfortable sharing anything Conventions Refers to a generally accepted way of doing things that have formed into a habit because of repeated exposure and experience of these messages