Definitions Flashcards
Sign
A successful, understandable form of communication
Signifier
Any motion,gesture , image, sound, pattern or event that conveys meaning
Signified
The meaning a signifier conveys . The concept it refers to.
Connotation
The feelings and ideas and cultural meanings that are associated with a word or object not the literal meaning
Denotation
The literal or primary meaning of a word despite the feelings or ideas it may present you with
Icons
Signs where the signifier resembles the signified
Symbols
Signs where the relation between the signifier and signified is culturally specific
Indexes
Signs where the signifier is caused by the signified
Mode of address
How a text positions the audience (direct, indirect,formal , informal)
Open text
Media texts which purposely encourage multiple interpretations
Cropping
Cutting out unwanted material from a picture to highlight the essential factors to highlight and establish meaning
Anchorage
Placing words next to an image to tell the meaning to the audience
Closed text
Media text which explains the meaning of a text with writing
Polysemy
Multiple meanings
Mediation
Media texts are carefully selected and constructed before an audience sees it
Media
The means of communication that reach or influence people widely
Semiotics
Study of signs
Encode and decode
Media producers encode so media audiences can decode
Visual code
Codes you can see such as setting, props,costume , colour , body language , facial expressions , mise-en-scene
Mise-en-scene
the arrangement of the scenery, props, etc. on the stage of a theatrical production or on the set of a film
Technical codes
Camera shots, camera angles, framing , lighting
Written codes
Fonts , typography, headlines , mode of address
What are texts
Any media product
Direct mode of address
When the text directly interacts with you
Indirect mode of address
The text does not speak/interact with you directly
Inclusive mode of address
Mode of address that includes everybody (non-specific)
Exclusive mode of address
Only applies to certain groups of people
Formal mode of address
Professional and formal
Informal mode of address
Conversational and informal
Lexis
Specific type of language or vocabulary used in media text
High frequency lexis
uses words that are common
Low frequency Lexis
Uses words that are not commonly used
Audio codes
Diegetic , non diegetic, music , voiceover , ambient sound , dialogue , sound effects
