1Image Analysis

In this chapter we:

  • explore the use of semiotics in analysing media texts
  • consider semiotics as a critical tool in the understanding of how texts create ‘meaning’
  • look at different kinds of sign, the way we read codes and the concepts of connotation, denotation and anchorage
  • identify some of the limitations of semiotics as a critical tool for textual analysis.

What is a Media ‘Text’?

We usually associate the word ‘text’ with something that is printed or written. In Media Studies, however, the word ‘text’ is used to describe any media product such as television programmes, photographs, films either on video or in the cinema, newspaper articles, radio programmes, advertisements, video games or web pages.

‘Texts’ are, therefore, ...

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