CODES, CONVENTION
and LANGUAGE OF
MEDIA
Media, Information and
Literacy (MIL) - 11
Objective:
•Define and differentiate •Identify and explain the •Recognize the different
codes, convention and three types of codes. types of convention and
messages in media. (technical, symbolic and their role in shaping
written). media content.
•Analyze how codes
•Interpret the messages
and convention
conveyed in various
work together to create
forms of media.
meaning in media.
Media is not just about images and
words; it uses codes and
conventions to convey messages.
Understanding these elements
helps us become critical media
consumers.
Language pertain 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 Language are the codes, conventions, format, symbols, and narrative structure that indicate meaning of media messages to
an audience
Messages are the information sent from a source to a receiver.
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TYPES Symbolic
Symbolic codes are used by
media producers to add
Technical
Technical codes are all the ways
Written
Written codes are the formal
OF
written language used in a media
in which equipment is used to
depth and additional product.
tell the story in a media text, for
meaning to media example the camera work in a
products. film.
These include language style
Acting and textual layout like
CODES
Setting headlines, captions,
Mise en scene speech bubbles, etc.
Colour
Visual composition
SYMBOLIC CODES
Acting – How actors use facial expressions,
body language, and voice to convey emotions
and meaning.
Setting – The location of a scene,
which helps establish mood and
context.
Mise en scène – Everything in a scene, including props,
costumes, and lighting, that adds depth to the story.
Colour – Used to create mood and symbolism (e.g.,
red for danger, blue for calmness).
Visual Composition – How elements are arranged in a
frame to guide the viewer’s focus and enhance
storytelling.
TECHNICAL CODES
Camerawork-refers to how the camera is handled, positioned
moved for specific effects like a high-angle camera shot to create a
feeling of power in a photograph.
Audio – Includes dialogue, sound effects,
and background music to enhance mood
and storytelling (e.g., suspenseful music in a
horror film).
WRITTEN CODES
Convention
A convention is an accepted way of doing things
in media, based on audience expectations. It
helps make media content recognizable and
easy to understand.
Form Conventions Story Conventions Genre Conventions
Form Conventions – These refer to the structural
rules and format of a media product. They
determine how content is organized, presented,
and delivered to the audience in a way that is
familiar and easy to understand.
• Example: News reports follow an inverted
pyramid format, presenting the most important
details first. Movies are structured using a three-
act format (setup, conflict, resolution).
Story Conventions – These include the common narrative structures,
themes, and character roles that are typically used in storytelling. They
help shape how a story is told and how audiences engage with it.
• Example: The hero’s journey in adventure films, where a character
faces challenges and grows. Love triangles in romance movies, where a
character must choose between two romantic interests.
Genre Conventions – These are the specific elements, techniques, and
stylistic choices that define a particular genre. They create audience
expectations and distinguish different types of media.
• Example: Horror films often use dark lighting, eerie music, and suspenseful
moments, while comedy movies feature lighthearted tones and humorous
dialogue.
Thank you!
