Language Theories Flashcards

1
Q

What are the main features of Barthes Semiotic theory?

A

• Denotation & Connotation
• Text and image
• Media as a myth

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2
Q

What is a denotation?

A

The literal or physical content of media

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3
Q

What is a connotation?

A

What the media product could mean (deeper meaning)

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4
Q

What is Text & Image?

A

The positioning of textual components by each element

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5
Q

What is mise en scene?

A

The significance of props, settings and constuming

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6
Q

What is compostion?

A

How the shot type is used to create meaning

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7
Q

What is anchorage?

A

How elements construct meaning by the use of set texts

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8
Q

What are enigma codes?

A

• They construct moments of mystery to intrigue readers or viewers

• Hook readers/viewers for further reading/viewing to gain answers

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9
Q

What are semantic codes?

A

They refer to an element that produces connotative effects

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10
Q

What are examples of semantic codes?

A

• Lighting
• Mise en scene
• Compostional effects
• Typography

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11
Q

What are symbolic codes?

A

A repeated symbol that conveys a deeper meaning

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12
Q

What are cultural codes?

A

The inclusion of material that generates meaning from outside the product

• Can be historical or scientifical

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13
Q

What does it mean by media as a myth?

A

Media has replaced the functions of traditional myth making

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14
Q

What is Naturalisation?

A

The process of making ideas or viewpoints feel like common sense rather than perspective

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15
Q

How are media myths reductive?

A

They reduce or purify ideas so they turn into easily digestible information

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16
Q

Overall what do media myths reinforce?

A

A social power structure

17
Q

What is the main argument of the Levi Strauss Structuralism theory?

A

Binary opposites, how they create meaning/narrarive

18
Q

What are binary opposites?

A

The use of paired elements within a narrative to provide contrasts

19
Q

What are character oppositions?

A

The construction of characters that are juxtaposed, an example is heroes vs villains

20
Q

What are genre based oppositions?

A

Paired elements that are usually found in specific genres, they’re an expectation of the genre

21
Q

What are stylistic oppositions?

A

The use of contrasting design elements that reinforce narrative themes of a text

22
Q

What is structuralism?

A

Suggests human behaviour is directed by a universal set of rules

23
Q

What is the main point of Todorov’s Narrative theory?

A

Stories share similar features and these features can help us comprehend the hidden meanings

24
Q

What is Todorov’s ideal narrative?

A

• Equilibrium
• Disruption
• Recognition
• Repair
• New equilibrium

25
Q

What is the main point of Neale’s Genre theory?

A

Argues that genre driven products (films) create appeal through repetition

26
Q

What are some examples for repetition in genres?

A

• Levels of references to the real world
• Narrative similarities
• Mise en scene expectations
• Character motives
• Audience targeting

27
Q

What does it mean by levels of references to the real world?? (versimilitude)

A

• The degree in which the product refrences the real world is a big indicator to what genre it is

• If there’s limited references, it’s likely the genre is fantastical (fantasy, sci-fi)

28
Q

What does it mean by audience needs?

A

Their enjoyment from recognising specific genre tropes

29
Q

What does it mean by contextual influences?

A

Producers adapt genre driven content as result of historical, political or social influences

30
Q

What is genre hybridity?

A

The deliberate inclusion or intertwining of conventions (tropes) across genres

31
Q

What is Baudrillard’s process of similacra?

A

• Early Modernity
• Modernity
• Post Modern

32
Q

What are the main points of Early Modernity?

A

• Starts between the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution

• Dominated by the voice of religion

• Produces authenticity & a collective set of truths about reality

33
Q

What are the main points of Modernity?

A

• Between Industrial revolution to the 2 World War

• Religious certainties give way to early mass media

• Authenticity and collective truths begin to give way

34
Q

What are the main points of Post Modern?

A

• Mass media dominates culture

• Age of “Hyperreality”

• Meaning and instructions are temporary

35
Q

What is Hyperreality?

A

• Can’t separate the real world from the world created by media

• Cultural products no longer reference significations religion once provided

36
Q

What is Inertia?

A

• We’ve become desensitised to things we see in media