The document discusses various techniques used in media language analysis of still and moving images, including denotation and connotation, framing, camera angles, editing techniques, sound, use of color, and non-verbal communication. It provides definitions and examples of key concepts like denotation, connotation, and diegetic sound. The document serves as a reference for different elements that can be referred to when analyzing images and constructing meaning.

1. Media Language
Remember that a text does not use media language you do as
a tool for analysing still or moving images.
You do not need to mention it directly as ‘media language but
within your analysis refer directly to media vocabulary -
denotation, connotation, iconography, cropping, etc.

2. Any object has two levels of meaning
Denotation
Denotative level - 1st order of signification
= merely a description of objects, images, text, colour,
speech, sounds, music.

3. Connotation
Connotative level - 2nd order of signification
= This is directly linked to the meanings that the image(s) may
mean.
The connotations are directly related to the bank of cultural
information that may be stored in the senders/receivers
brain.
This ‘cultural information’ often relates to commonly-held
attitudes, values and beliefs that exist within that specific
culture

4. • Use of framing
• Camera angle or position
• High and low angle, track, tilt, pan.
• Establishing shot, insert shot, eye-line match, point
of view shot, shot reverse shot, close up, extreme
close up, medium shot, long shot, birds eye view,
reaction shots, crane.
How meaning is constructed still and moving
images.

5. Use of different editing techniques
• dissolve, fade, wipe, cut, jump cut, flash
back, flash forward. Speed of motion.
• Sound and images - Juxtaposition of
images (linked to sound/voice over....) to
construct a preferred reading.
• Use of binary opposition
• Continuity/discontinuity

6. • How to recognise and categorise sound.
• Diegetic - Sound/music that can be heard by the
characters within the example.
• Internal - Personal from self
• External - Physical source (voice, object)
• Non diegetic - More often music but sound that
can be heard only by the audience.

7. • Use of costume and
props
• Iconography
• Use of colour/black
and white
• Any evidence of
image manipulation
• N.V.C - Non Verbal
Communication

8. • Non verbal communication includes:
• Body movements - face, hands, gestures
• Spatial relationships
• Dress/costume.