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