Date: March 16-17, 2020 Any native language itself is a set of codes: letters made up into words, words

age itself is a set of codes: letters made up into words, words made
up into sentences, and sentences made up into paragraphs. Just as we learn to read
MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY MODULE letters, words and sentences, so too, we learn to read media codes and languages.
MEDIA AND INFORMATION LANGUAGES We learn that sounds or images can be put together in particular sequences, working
as codes, to give particular meaning.
Media Language is the way which the meaning of a media text is conveyed to the
audience. Codes and Conventions

Codes- are systems of signs, which create meaning to communicate ideas and
Types of Media Languages
impressions for an audience, producers, and other stakeholders.
1. Visual Language
Television and film. What is on the screen has been chosen specifically Symbolic Codes- show what is beneath the surface of what we see
(objects, setting, body language, clothing, color, etc.) or iconic symbols
to generate a series of effects and meanings. Specific camera angles
and movements are chosen to tell the story and meaning of that scene. that are easily understood.
Example:
2. Aural Language
Diegetic/ non diegetic sound. Sound can help create a scene and What does a red rose symbolizes?
construct the environment, atmosphere and mood. The aural language A red rose may convey romance or love.
of a media text can also help us to define the genre of a piece.
3. Written Language
This is the print-based media, also in text such as captions for A clenched fist may convey anger
photographs. The language chosen generates meaning. Captions allow
the publication to present a story in a particular way.
4. Verbal Language
This is used in media areas such as television, radio and film. How the
language is delivered and its context used is important factors in the
way meaning is generated for the audience.
5. Non- Verbal Language
This is in terms of body language: gestures and actions. The meaning
received by the audience is seen through how the actor uses their body.

What is Media Text?

In Media Studies, “text” is utilized to depict any media item, for example TV
Traffic light
programs, photos, adverts, newspaper adverts, film, radio programs, web pages, and
so forth. “Texts” are therefore the main point of our study in the understanding how Red- STOP
media languages create meaning. Yellow- GO
Green- READY
Written Codes- - use of language style and textual layout (headlines,  Close up shot
captions, speech bubbles, language style, etc.)
Example:
Headlines

*some codes fit both categories- music is for both technical and
symbolic.

Conventions are the generally accepted ways of doing something. There are general
conventions in any medium such as the use of interviewee quotes in a print article,
Captions but conventions are also genre specific. The use of conventions allows the audience
to understand more than just the surface of the speeches. Drama has some
conventions which are different from those in other literary forms.

Codes and conventions are used together in any study of genre- it is not enough to
discuss a technical code used such as camera work, without saying how it is
conventionally used in genre.

What make up Codes and Conventions?

Speech Bubbles
CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF TEASER TRAILERS
SOUND VISUAL TECHNICAL EVALUATION
-non diegetic -usually lots of - last about 50 -gives a brief
soundtrack short clips from seconds insight into the film
within the film
-snippets of -usually fast paced -leaves a lot pf
diegetic dialogue -release date, unanswered
Technical Codes- are all the ways in which equipment is used to tell scene production -usually made questions to tease
the story in a media text, for example the camera works in a film company, actors when film is still in audience
(camera angles, sound and lighting). Non diegetic and titled all production
voiceover displayed -released long
Example:
before the film is to
Camera Shots: build up fan based.
 Extreme close up shot
1. Setting - A setting can be used for a number of purposes such as: Prepared by:
a. Realism (Time and Place of setting is made known)
b. Atmosphere (Reinforced desired mood) E.g. Horror movies, a Dharsinero S. Sabandal, LPT
Subject Teacher
post- apocalyptic scene.
c. Symbolism (Can be conveyed through setting) E.g. candles can
symbolize a romantic atmosphere.
2. Theme- The subject or a specific theme in a scene or the entire film. For
example: a film making place in the 1950’s; the actors wear vintage clothing
and environment and is set to be like in the 1950’s.
3. Characters
A narrative might use:
 Sympathetic characters- with whom the audience
strongly identifies with. They may share qualities and
values
 Unsympathetic Characters- audience dislikes them.
They increase sympathy to main character.
 Stereotypes- can reinforce existing ways of thinking about
certain groups-appeal to the prejudices of the audience.
4. Props- Props, Sets and Locations can influence our interpretation of
character as contribution to the atmosphere of the film.
5. Narrative & Plot
a. Linear plot- events would occur in the same order they would
occur in real life.
b. Manipulation of time- E.g. Flashback
c. Suspense- it is hinted something dramatic is going to happen.
d. Climax and Resolution- main problem occurs comes to a head
and is sorted out
e. A Sting in the Tail- Ending is a complete surprise and unexpected.
f. Open Ending- (Loose ends left- audience may be left wondering-
as story seems not over)
6. Sound-
a. Scary scene- creepy music in the background, creaking door,
footsteps coming, etc.
b. Sad scene- slow and emotive music.
c. Happy scene- laughter joy and upbeat music.
d. Serious scene- may use silence to enhance the atmosphere