THE MEDIA AND

INFORMATION
LANGUAGES
“To be an effective media and information users, one has to analyze and understand the
contents”
Language – pertains to the technical and symbolic ingredients or
codes and conventions that media and information professionals may
select and use in an effort to communicate ideas, information and
knowledge.

Media Languages – codes, conventions, formats, symbols and

narrative structures that indicate the meaning of media messages to
an audience.
GROUP ACTIVITY
With your group give at least 10 signs and symbols n their community that are used to convey
information…ex directions, location of attraction , others.
 Technical codes – include sound, camera angles, types of shots and lightning. They may
include , for example, ominous music to communicate danger in feature film, or high-
angle camera shots to create a feeling of power in a photograph.
 Symbolic codes – include language , dress or actions of character, or iconic symbols that
are easily understood. For example , a red rose may be used symbolically to convey
romance or clenched first ma be used to communicate anger.
 Convention – In the media context, refers to a standard or norm that acts as a rule
governing behavior.
 Messages – the information sent from a source to receiver
 Audience – the group of consumers for whom a media messages was constructed as well
as anyone else who is exposed to the message.
 Producers – People engaged in the process of creating and putting together media content to
make a finished product.
 Other Stakeholder – Libraries, archives, museums, internet and other relevant information
providers.