Key Media Studies Terminology
This page delves into essential media language definitions, providing a solid foundation for understanding and analyzing various media forms. It covers fundamental concepts in media studies, including denotation, connotation, codes and conventions, narrative, genre, intertextuality, and different types of media codes.
Denotation is defined as the actual or literal meaning of something. For example, the denotation of a candle is simply a wax object with a wick that produces light when lit.
Connotation refers to the deeper meanings associated with something beyond its literal definition. Using the same example, a candle might connote concepts like hope, warmth, or romance, depending on the context.
Codes and conventions are explained as the elements of media language that typically occur in particular forms (such as magazines or advertisements) or genres (like sitcoms). These are essential for understanding how media products communicate meaning.
Narrative is described as the way stories are structured and communicated within media products. This concept is crucial for analyzing how different media forms tell stories and engage audiences.
Genre is defined as the type or category of a media product. Examples given include crime dramas and sitcoms, highlighting how genre classifications help audiences understand what to expect from a media text.
Intertextuality is explained as the practice where a media product references another text to communicate meaning to the audience. This concept is important for understanding how media texts relate to and build upon each other.
The page also outlines different types of media codes:
- Visual codes are elements related to the look of a product, such as mise-en-scène, color palette, layout, and design.
- Audio codes include non-diegetic music, sound effects, and dialogue.
- Language/written codes refer to both written and spoken words in media products.
Definition: Media language refers to the various elements and techniques used in media products to communicate meaning, including visual, audio, and written components.
Highlight: Understanding these media codes and conventions is crucial for analyzing how media products create meaning and engage with audiences across different forms and genres.
Example: In a horror film, visual codes might include dark lighting and unsettling camera angles, while audio codes could feature eerie background music and sudden sound effects to create tension and fear.
Vocabulary: Mise-en-scène is a French term used in film studies to describe the arrangement of everything that appears in the frame, including actors, lighting, décor, props, and costumes.