Towards a semiotic of screen media: Problems in the use of linguistic models

Abstract

Using language as a model for discovering the codes that govern the assembly of images in film and television holds out the promise of discovering the grammar that controls the interaction of viewers with the screen. This study examines whether linguistic models can be transferred wholesale into media studies, and cautions that important differences between language and screen media make the transference difficult. A linguistic approach raises interesting questions, however, about media literacy and whether screen media may have important perceptual and cognitive effects.

Notes

Mr. Corcoran is Assistant Professor of Speech Communication, Northern Illinois University.