Media language theorists Flashcards
(10 cards)
Roland Barthes semitoics theory
Denotation:The literal meaning (what you see).
Connotation: The deeper meaning (what it suggests or symbolizes based on culture).
Why is barthes theory important
Semiotics shows us how media, advertising, and language shape our beliefs and values.
Todorvs narrative theory
Equilibrium: The story begins in a state of balance or normality.
Disequelibrium: Something happens that breaks the peace or causes a problem.
Recognition: The characters realise there has been a disruption.
Resolution: The characters try to fix the problem or face the challenge.
New equilbrium:A new normal is created.
Why is todorovs theory important
Allows audiences to understand character developmetns and story progression
Steve Neale genre theory
Repetition and difference
Media texts (like films, TV shows, or music videos) repeat familiar elements (tropes, settings, characters) to fit into a genre (e.g., horror, romance).
But they also include differences to keep the audience interested and stop it from feeling boring.
Why is Neales thory important
Repetition helps the audience recognise the genre (expectations).
Difference keeps things fresh and allows the genre to evolve over time.
Levi strauss Binary oppostions theory
Media texts often use binary oppositions to create conflict, meaning, and narrative tension.
These opposites help audiences understand characters, themes, and messages.
Why is Levi struass theory important
Rely on binary oppositions to create meaning and structure the narrative. These opposites shape how we interpret characters and themes.
Postmodernism theory
(Challening tradtional narratives)
Pastiche – A mix or imitation of different styles, genres, or media texts.
Intertextuality – Referencing or borrowing from other media texts.
(Blurs lines between reality and representation)
Hyperreality – When media becomes more “real” to people than actual reality.
Blurring Boundaries – Between high and low culture, fiction and reality, genres, etc.
Why is postmodernism important
Breaks rules, challenges traditional norms and often makes the audeince question whats real or fake
