Understanding Media Language

These flashcards cover key concepts related to media language, including definitions of important terms and their relevance in media communication.

Language

A system of arbitrary, vocal symbols that permit people to communicate or interact.

Media Language

Codes, conventions, formats, symbols, and narrative structures that indicate the meaning of media messages to an audience.

Denotative Meaning

Literal meaning that media suggests to the audience.

Connotative Meaning

Various interpretations associated with culture, values, beliefs, etc.

Media Codes

Tools used to construct or suggest meaning in media forms and products that have a commonly established meaning to the audience.

Technical Codes

Codes specific to a media form (e.g., angle shots, lighting, sound) that imply certain meanings.

Symbolic Codes

Codes associated with the meaning derived from an audience's interpretation rather than the product itself.

Written Codes

Formal written language used in creating a media product (e.g., text in frame, character dialogue).

Media Conventions

Possible methods in which codes are organized in a product, based on widely accepted standards.

Genre Conventions

The common use of elements of narratives such as characters, settings, or themes in a certain type of media.

Media Messages

Pieces of information sent from a source to a receiver, influenced by the audience's unique life experiences.

Media Producers

People engaged in creating media content, such as journalists, directors, and writers.

Media Stakeholders

People or organizations that share the same interests in media (e.g., television networks, streaming services).

Media Audience

Group of consumers for whom a media message is constructed, as well as anyone exposed to the message.