Roland Barthes identified five types of symbolic codes found in media products: 1) Symbolic codes represent something else through images or symbols. 2) Semantic codes have hidden meanings understood by audiences. 3) Proairetic codes signify future actions, like someone holding a gun will shoot. 4) Hermeneutic codes engage audiences through mysteries. 5) Cultural codes can only be understood by those familiar with a particular culture, such as historical fashions.

1. ROLAND BARTHES
THEORY

2. SYMBOLIC CODES
These are images that represent or
symbolise something else
For example the green and white cross
symbolises Health which is why we see it
on pharmacies and first aid kits

3. SEMANTIC CODES
These can found found in media products that
have a hidden meaning
They have a connotation to them that the audience
can understand
For example in horror movies there are typical
colours such as red and black which connote blood
and darkness

4. PROAIRETIC/ACTION CODES
These are elements of media products that signify something is going
to happen as a result
For example if we see someone taking out or holding a gun this
would signify they are about to shoot someone

5. HERMENEUTIC/ENIGMA CODES
This is any mysterious part of a media text that will engage or hook
the audience in some way
For example when a newspaper has one line at the top or bottom of
the front page and besides it says see pages for more information

6. CULTURAL/REFEREN
TIAL CODES
Parts of a media product that can only be
understood if you are part of that
particular culture
This is not just limited to country and
nationality only as it can be gender, age or
that historical time period
For example the antebellum dresses in
Beyoncé video can only be understood if
you have historical knowledge or black
culture