Lesson 7:

Multimodal Element
Roselyn V. Villaguarda
English 10 Teacher
How do you think technology
change the lives of people?
 Technology has truly changed the way people
perceive information. From details usually printed
on paper to internet-based programs that allow
information to pop up on people’s gadgets, the
society we live in is indeed relying on information
presented in and through different modes.
1. What is the material all about?
2. What elements make up the given
material? Do you see pure text?
Are there photos and other
elements?
3. What do you think is the purpose
of combining several elements
when presenting information?
4. What do you think will happen if
an element [or two] is [are]
omitted? Will removing an element
[like an image] affect the way
someone perceives information?
The way information is presented greatly affects the manner
it is perceived. Luckily, through continuous developments in
the field of digital communication technology, we are now
able to learn not only from traditional texts that we have to
read sequentially, but likewise, through interactive
materials in various digital and non-digital platforms like
posters, infographics, blogs, animations, and web
pages, among others.
Multimodal Text
 Multimodal Texts
● A text is considered multimodal when it combines two or
more communication modes to present information.

● In the context of multimodal compositions, mode refers

to the method of communication being employed. It can
be linguistic, visual, auditory, gestural, or spatial.
Communication
Modes
 Communication Modes
● A mode is way, method, or manner of doing something.

● Communication mode is a method of conveying news, message, or

information.

● Mode differs from medium (channel through which we convey

communication)

● Example: Communication through linguistic mode, we may do it

through the print medium.
 5 Modes of Communication
1. Visual
● Refers to images and characters, such as marks, signs and
symbols.
● Use of color, layout, style, size, and perspective

● Ex: NO SMOKING
Uses visual and spatial mode.
 5 Modes of Communication
2. Aural

● Centers on sound, including music, sound effects, ambient

noises, silence, tone of voice in spoken language, volume
of sound, emphasis, and accent.

● Ex: Public speech you hear live or on audio

 5 Modes of Communication
3. Gestural

● Refers to movement and how we interpret it.

● This include facial expressions, hand gestures, body
language, and interaction between people.
● Important to face-to-face conversations, theater, concerts,
live performance, and YouTube videos.
● Usually combined with other modes.
 5 Modes of Communication
4. Linguistic (or Alphabetic)
● Any written or spoken text, including word choice,
delivery of written or spoken text, organization of words
into sentences and paragraphs, and development or
coherence of words and ideas.

● Most widely used; best way to express details and lists.

 5 Modes of Communication
5. Spatial
● Arrangement of elements in a space and physical
closeness between people and objects.
● Ex: arrangement of chairs and desks in a classroom.
 Types of
Multimodal Text
 Multimodal Texts

● While composing multimodal texts is usually associated

with the use of online and digital platforms, a
multimodal text does not necessarily have to be digital
in form. Generally, a multimodal text may be print-based
(paper), digital, live, or transmedia (using multiple
delivery channels).
 Types of Multimodal Texts
1. Print-based Multimodal Texts
● A printed text that combines different modes.

● Ex: Comic books, graphic novels, picture storybooks,

posters, leaflets, magazines, and newspaper

● Usually combines linguistic and visual mode.

 Types of Multimodal Texts
2. Digital Multimodal Texts
● Virtual texts using different modes

● Ex: internet-based (such as social media content, blog

posts, vlogs, online games) or offline (such as films,
animations, e-books, video game, and presentation slides
 Types of Multimodal Texts
3. Live Multimodal Texts
● Texts that are performed live.

● Ex: Theatre, opera, and concert performances

● Book premiers, poetry readings, and lectures
(Combine at least 4 modes: linguistic, gestural, spatial, and
aural)
 Types of Multimodal Texts
4. Transmedia Multimodal Texts
● Tells a story or send a message through a combination of media
platforms using various modes.
● It further develops the story or idea and enhances user’s
experience

● Ex: Pokemon game (mobile game requires the player to engage

in physical activity outside the digital world.
● Ex: Batman, Matrix, Star Wars
 Example of Multimodal text
Multimodal texts can range from simple to complex ones with the level of complexity usually depending
on what modes to combine

Simple Complex

newspapers, brochures, comics, animations, digital stories,

graphic novels, picture books, web pages,
print advertisements, posters, storyboards, documentaries, book trailers,
slide presentations, live action films, video games
e-books, e-posters,
social media

In multimodal texts, information is presented and meaning is conveyed through combinations

of different modes across written and spoken languages(linguistic), still and moving images
(visual), sounds, gestures, and spatial semiotic resources.
 The list below presents essential considerations in composing or
producing effective multimodal texts.

Textual Knowledge Technological Knowledge. Semiotic Knowledge

- clear understanding of the - understand what - understanding how each
information at hand technological tools and mode can work to convey
processes will best work for the meaning, where each mode or
- basis for determining how kind of multimodal texts to be semiotic system has its own
information will be conveyed produced. function.
and what modes may work best
The list below presents essential considerations in composing or
producing effective multimodal texts.

Ability to Combine Understanding Different

Various Modes.
- to understand what
combinations will work best in
conveying the meaning of a
specific set of information.
Genres.
- to take into consideration the
purpose, target audience, and
text-type.
 Learning Task 2: Read the statements about multimodal
compositions. Identify each as TRUE or FALSE. Write your answers
in your notebook.

_______ 1. Multimodal texts combine two or more

modes in presenting information.
_______ 2. All multimodal texts are digital in form.
_______ 3. Print-based materials cannot include
multimodal elements.
_______ 4. Technological knowledge is not important
in multimodal compositions.
_______ 5. Slides made using PowerPoint can be an
example of a multimodal text.