Media and Information Literacy: Day 13

       For our thirteenth day in MediaLit1718, Sir Opiana taught us about Media and Information Languages. Before our discussion, our teacher asked us to analyze the quote written below and to answer the next questions found on the next slides:

"Language is a source of misunderstanding"
(McLuhan, 1964)

      Language can become a source of misunderstanding if each parties' interpretation and cultural background is different. I think that the language used depends on a place, so if one were to go to somewhere where he/she isn't familiar with, he/she might have misunderstandings.

Questions:

Does the user's/audience's background or experience affect the interpretation of messages? How?

Yes, for example, if a Filipino were to go to China, which uses Mandarin as its main language, he/she would have difficulty in communicating with other people there.

Is it possible that a different individual derives a different meaning from the message? Explain.

Yes, it is possible. Each person has different opinions and beliefs that may affect how they understand messages.

Shortly after exchanging answers with our classmates, Sir Opiana discussed the following terms:

• Language
  pertains to the technical and symbolic ingredients or codes and conventions that media and information professionals may select and use in an effort to communicate ideas, information and knowledge.
• Media Languages
  codes, conventions, formats, symbols and narrative structures that indicate the meaning of media messages to an audience.

       After this, our teacher asked us to give 5 signs and symbols found in our community that are used to convey information and asked us how these signs and symbols can be understood by people. My work can be found below:

Signs & Messages

In order to convey that people can ride the jeepney

Warning people that crossing there would be dangerous

Telling people who are driving that a certain part of the road is off limits

Used to let people know when vehicles are supposed to stop and go

This sign lets people know that the road is one way

How are these signs and symbols used to make people in the community understand the message being conveyed?

Other people can understand these signs and symbols if one of the locals (who can understand what it means) explain it to them what it means.

Also, we discussed the following terms and their meanings:

• Technical Codes
  -include sound, camera angles, types of shots and lighting. They may include, for example, ominous music to communicate danger in a feature film, or high-angle camera shots to create a feeling of power in a photograph.
  
• Symbolic Codes
  -include the language, dress or actions of characters, or iconic symbols that are easily understood.
  
• Convention
  -in the media context, refers to a standard or norm that acts as a rule governing behavior.
  
• Messages
  -the information sent from a source to a receiver.
  
• Audience
  -the group of consumers for whom a media message was constructed as well as anyone else who is exposed to the message.
  
• Producers
  -people engaged in the process of creating and putting together media content to make a finished media product.
  
• Other stakeholders
  -libraries, archives, museums, internet and other relevant information providers.

Upon closing our discussion, our teacher tasked us to analyze pictures, fill up the table that was flashed on the screen and to give our reflections

Sources:
https://studentwire.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Social-Media-Language-The-Cute-Design-Studio.jpg
https://www.ricesigns.com/real_pictures/one_way_signs.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Traffic_lights.jpg/220px-Traffic_lights.jpg
https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/bright-orange-traffic-cones-gm590060556-101390287?esource=SEO_GIS_CDN_Redirect
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Z0UgIL97BKp27QWdbktSYgqn0UuiHN4eARYuia13G3enVZXcwuaLvykLk2-L0F74Gw5Ru7RbmePfzOxFNTdT1wwARhMtj3m4TvJA5X96NWx2UpHPz4EgTqVuDrGk0nJFhyKgjVZsqA4/s1600/Bawal+Tumawid+MMDA+Sign.jpg
http://www8.gmanews.tv/webpics/v3/2012/03/640_ZZZ_032112_news.jpg