Chapter 2
Mediality vs. materiality
A multimodal perspective on the notion of media as
procedures
This contribution adds a multimodal perspective
to the notions of medium and mediality in the context of media
linguistics and critically reflects upon their conceptualisations as
‘technical infrastructures’ and/or ‘socially constituted semiotic
procedures’. By critically assessing the different understandings of
medium in media linguistics and multimodality research, it will
point out advantages and disadvantages of each concept. In a second
step, the definitions will be applied to practical examples of
current media artifacts, i.e., a graphic novel and a digital
learning environment. The application will demonstrate the need for
a clear distinction between various levels of description for both
semiotic modes as well as media.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Two understandings of ‘medium’
- 2.1Media as procedures of sign processing
- 2.2Media as sites for the deployment of semiotic modes
- 3.Media and modes at work
- 3.1Sign processing in comics
- 3.2Sign processing in digital learning environments
- 4.The mutual influence of medium and modes
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Notes
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References
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