Media Language

• Media Language creates meaning in texts.
• Every medium has its own ‘language’ – or combination of languages – that it uses to communicate meaning. Television, for example, uses verbal and written language as well as the languages of moving images and sound.
• We call these ‘languages’ because they use familiar codes and conventions that are generally understood. 
• Media messages are constructed using a creative language with its own rules. Each form of communication-- whether newspapers, TV game shows or horror movies-- has its own creative language: scary music heightens fear, camera close-ups convey intimacy, big headlines signal significance. 
• Understanding the grammar, syntax and metaphor system of media language, especially the language of sounds and visuals which can reach beyond the rational to our deepest emotional core, increases our appreciation and enjoyment of media experiences as well as helps us to be less susceptible to manipulation.
• E.g the example from Men’s Health is so transparent once you know how to read a media text (and you can’t ‘grow’muscle....) 

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