Textual analysis

Entry number 3- Textual Analysis:

Textual analysis- Media language and how to deconstruct print media products.

Words and images in media texts can work on more that one level:

-   Denotation is the straight foward or literal meaning of what is actuall shown in an image.

-   Connotation is the extra, linked meaning that goes with any sign. The connotation of a sign will be much more personal than the straight foward denotation becayse they are to do with personal ideas and feelings about it, and will not be the same for everybody.

-   E.g. The denotation of an apple would be 'its a fruit'.

            The connotation of the apple could be a symbol of health, or sin.

Roland Barthes- Semiotics:

His theory was, all elements of media text are codes that need to be read. The codes are: Enigma code, action code, symbolic code, semantic code, and cultural code. 

-   Enigma codes (hermeneutic): Makes mystery for the audience, forces them to watch everything

-   Action codes (Proairetic): Signifies something will happen as a result of something

-   Symbolic codes: Symbolism of a certain thing

-   Semantic codes: Understanding a hidden meaning of a certain thing

-   Cultural codes: Things you will only understand when you’re a part of the culture

Barthes' theory is relavent to magazines because the front cover of a magazine will include many of these codes as well as the other pages, using captions and pictures. Therfore, when analysing magazines we should include codes like enigma and symbolic codes to give mystery and symbolise things.