Use Of Sound Flashcards
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What is Diegetic Sound?
Sound originating within the character’s world (they can hear it); helps realism and immerses the audience.
How to Recognise Diegetic Sound?
If you were a character in the scene, you could hear it (e.g. dialogue, footsteps).
What is Non-Diegetic Sound?
Sound from outside the world of the scene (characters can’t hear it); sets tone or gives extra info.
How to Recognise Non-Diegetic Sound?
Sounds like voiceovers or background music not heard by characters.
What is Dialogue?
Words spoken by characters (diegetic) or narrators (non-diegetic); reveals character and relationships.
How to Recognise Dialogue?
Any spoken words, whether visible (speaking) or off-screen (voiceover).
What is Asynchronous Sound?
Sound not synced to visuals; adds irony, contrast, or removes realism.
How to Recognise Asynchronous Sound?
Sound that feels unrelated to what’s shown on screen.
What is Contrapuntal Sound?
Soundtrack that contrasts with the visuals; often ironic or bizarre.
How to Recognise Contrapuntal Sound?
Serious visuals with cheerful music, or vice versa.
What are Sound Effects?
Added in post-production by Foley artists; adds realism or tension.
How to Recognise Sound Effects?
Sounds like footsteps, doors creaking, etc., that enhance the scene.
What is a Sound Motif?
A repeated sound associated with a character, place, or idea; builds tension or foreshadows.
How to Recognise Sound Motif?
A sound that recurs in key moments (e.g., a villain’s theme).
What is a Sound Bridge?
A sound that carries over across two scenes, creating a link.
How to Recognise Sound Bridge?
Audio continues into a new scene even as visuals change.
What is Voiceover?
Off-screen narration; gives context or insight, can remove realism.
How to Recognise Voiceover?
A voice speaking without a visible source in the scene.
What is Mode of Address?
The tone and style of dialogue; reveals character and targets specific audiences.
How to Recognise Mode of Address?
Use of slang, formality, or tone matching a demographic or mood.
What is Direct Address?
When a character speaks directly to the camera/audience; breaks the fourth wall.
How to Recognise Direct Address?
A character looks into the camera and talks to the viewer.
What is Score / Soundtrack?
Background music that is non-diegetic; sets mood and tone.
How to Recognise Score?
Music over the top of visuals that characters can’t hear.
