Spatial Mode: includes physical arrangement―spacing,
position, organization, proximity, direction, and distance of elements in a text
Writers use the spatial mode of communication in the physical
layout and organization of a text. For example, the tri-fold pamphlet, printed and folded on paper, presents information spatially on six panels. Physical arrangement impacts the way the audience can interact with your work. Websites also rely heavily on the spatial mode to communicate meaning. Writers make strategic rhetorical decisions about how to arrange digital information in a user-friendly way within a mobile “space.” Features like menus, headers, physical layout, and navigation tools (such as links) help the audience to interact with the site spatially. Websites are considered multi-modal texts since multiple modes are used in combination to communicate with the audience.
As the writer, you’ll need to determine which modes could
add value to your work. Be careful not to add modes just because you think you should. Each mode you use should add meaning to the text. Consider the opportunities, challenges, and constraints of any writing task and assess and revise your work to meet the needs of the audience.
2. Visual Mode: includes images, video, color, visual
layout, design, font, size, formatting, symbols, visual data (charts, graphs), animation (like gifs) The visual mode helps writers communicate meaning in a way that can be seen by the audience. Sometimes people must see to believe, and visuals can be helpful and even persuasive. For example, if you want to showcase how climate change has devastated the arctic ecosystem, you might include a video that shows real-world footage, like all the pictures taken by National Geographic. It is considered a multi-modal text since words, visuals, and audio are used together for a stronger effect. The visual mode also includes elements of design and allows writers a more creative way to present text on a page/screen. For example, some of the textbook makes use of labels, headings, color, and other visual features to help the reader more easily understand the information. This textbook is considered multi-modal since it combines multiple modes of communication. 3. Aural Mode: includes spoken words, sound, music, volume, rhythm, speed of delivery, pitch, tone, voice
Sound catches people’s attention, and writers use the
aural mode to bring their words to life. For example, have you ever listened to a game on the radio? Listen to the way the sportscasters help the audience to experience the game through sound. This sportscast is considered a multi-modal text since the authors combine words (linguistic/alphabetic mode) with sound (aural mode). Another example of the aural mode is an audio book. The Carriage, by Jena Baxter is a Spoken word that can add depth and emotion to a story. As you listen, pay attention to the volume, rhythm, pitch, speed, and tone of the narrator’s voice. Multi-modality can enhance the experience of “reading” a text. 4. Gestural Mode: includes movement, speed, expression, body language, facial expression, physical proximity, interactions between people
The gestural mode of communication allows writers to
communicate meaning through movement. Traditionally, this mode was used primarily in face-to-face interaction; however, modern technology allows writers to show movement virtually in their work, through video. The gestural mode is often used in combination with other modes, such as linguistic/alphabetic (written/spoken), spatial (physical arrangement), and aural (sound) to provide an enhanced sensory experience for the audience. For example, sign languages use the gestural mode since position of the sign and movement are significant factors in generating and distinguishing meaning.
(Doi 10.1002 - 9781118784235.eelt0701) Liontas, John I. International Association, TESOL DelliCarpini - The TESOL Encyclopedia of English Language Teaching - Use of Technology in Teaching Speaking