The document discusses the terms denotation and connotation as they relate to interpreting media texts. Denotation refers to the literal or straightforward meaning of an image or sign. Connotation refers to any additional meanings or interpretations associated with an image beyond its denotation, which can vary between individuals and cultures. The document provides examples of how images of a rose, apple, and lamb can have different connotations relating to themes like love, politics, health, religion, and place.

3. DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION Words and images in media texts can work on more than one level. You will come across the terms denotation and connotation throughout your course. They are important terms for you to understand.

4. DENOTATION is the straight forward or common- sense meaning of a sign. Literally what is actually shown in an image . A red rose is a flower – that is its straight forward meaning or denotation An apple is a fruit we eat- A lamb is a young sheep-

5. CONNOTATION is the extra, linked meaning that goes with any sign. The connotations of a sign will be much more personal than the straight forward denotation because they are to do with personal ideas and feelings about it. The connotations will not be the same for everybody.

6. Think about the rose… For romantics a red rose can be a symbol of love. In Lancashire it is a symbol for the county. It has even been a symbol for a political party. These are all connotations or extra layers of meaning that the image carries with it.

8. Think about the apple… It can be a symbol of health. It can have associated meanings of New York -“The Big Apple”. It can even have stand for sin. These are all connotations or extra layers of meaning that the image carries with it.

9. And the lamb… For some a lamb has linked or extra meanings to do with Wales.. For others it has religious meaning. It can even stand for a season- Spring . These are all connotations or extra layers of meaning that the image carries with it.

11. Notice how other pictures can have different denotational suggestions but the same connotational suggestions. The connotations for all of these pictures is the same as the previous one- traditional,family holidays. The bright colours, blue skies and smiling faces have connotations of happiness. photo s courtesy of photolibrary wales www.photolibrarywales.com )

12. A 2 step content analysis of these images would work in the same way. They both contain similar denotational features : large buildings, street and street lamps but the connotations of the pictures are the same – an inner city. photo s courtesy of photolibrary wales www.photolibrarywales.com )

13. The connotations of these buildings is different from the previous two however because we associate these sky scrapers with America. Add two men wearing suits and carrying briefcases and we have extra connotations of a high powered, sophisticated glamorous and successful lifestyle

14. What are the connotations of these images ?

15. and these… All very different denotations but similar connotations of countryside. photo s courtesy of photolibrary wales www.photolibrarywales.com )

16. TV Drama

17. What is TV Drama?

21. Construction and Representation