Media and Information Language

“Language is a source of misunderstanding” – McLuhan, 1964

Language is a source of misunderstanding because only a certain group of people understand a language. Each language also has a unique way of symbolism, origin, concept, culture and execution. The translation of different languages has different barriers that limit the fullness of understanding of interpretation.

Does the user's/audience's background or experience affect the interpretation of messages? How?

Every person has his own schema. Based on the Social Learning Theory person will fully understand a message from another if his experiences are at par with the other. If a person’s background is not the same with the speaker, chances are, the interpretation of the message is limited.

Is it possible that a different individual derives a different meaning from the message? Explain.

Yes, it is possible for a different individual to derive a different meaning from the message because not all have the same way of thinking and information received to help them understand. Information is also created to be interpreted in various ways,

We were also tasked to identify five signs and symbols used to convey information.

Symbol
Source: Icon Archive	Twitter
Source: Raymac Signs	Emergency exit
Source: free icons	Wattpad
Source: safetysign.com	No smoking
Source: ClipArtMasters	Comfort Room Male/Female

How are these signs and symbols used to make people in the community understand the message being conveyed?

It makes them understand the message more because it incorporated general ideas and concepts

Before ending the class, Mr. Opiana showed us four pictures that require analysis. He gave us a table to organize our answers. Here are my answers:

Component	Ponds	Ferdie Marco	Mayon
Target Audience	Men who want to improve their skin	People who will vote in the next elections	People who want to go to Mayon
Sender/Author	Advertisers of the product	Ferdie Marco	Your Brother
Purpose	To give them brighter and energized skin	To gain votes and approval from the city of Marikina	To give service for people who want to enjoy Mayon
Key Content	Skin care product	Advertisement of McDo McMuffin	Advertisement of rental of ATVs
Form/Style	Poster	Poster	Poster
Medium/format	Web/social media	Social Media	Flyers

Furthermore, Mr. Opiana gave us some questions regarding the activity, which were discussed next meeting:

What information codes, conventions and messages about our country is communicated through advertisements?

Through advertisements, information of what is happening is disseminated. Issues regarding politics are divulged. The concept of capitalism in the country including tourism is shared as well.

If you are to create a postcard for a place or organization of your choice, what technical and symbolic codes would you use to convey important information and create the desired impression? Why?

I will use iconic symbols related to the concept or to the vision of the organization. With these, the audience will understand the purpose of my message.

How can understanding of the technical and symbolic codes contribute to media and information literacy?

The symbols provide a general code for everyone, therefore helping Media and Information Literacy be known by all. People would recognize the importance of Media and Information Literacy through general understanding.

The answers were discussed next meeting.