Media and Information Languages (Lecture)

"Language is a source of misunderstanding." McLuhan, 1964. Language is a very broad concept. What we speak, the way we  speak, what we are trying to convey, all these in a communication  process is under the idea of language. 

Language is extremely complicated. Sometimes, what we say is different from what our message because it seems natural for humans to put the meaning of their words hidden between the lines. And the receiver of that message may not see the message hidden. 

The user’s/audience’s own background and experience affect the interpretation of messages. People think differently and they grew with different cultures, in different environments that is unique from others. One's experiences shape beliefs and way of thinking, thus, greatly affecting how one interpret a message. 

It possible that a different individual derives a different meaning from the message. Human beings say words that has different meaning from what they mean. That hidden meaning may or may not be understood by the message receiver because every person thinks differently. Also, similar words from different languages varies meaning. 

SIGNS AND SYMBOLS

These signs and symbols make it easy for citizens to receive the message and obtain knowledge. 

NO LEFT TURN

traffic sign

Slippery Road

road safety sign

Gasoline Station 200m Ahead

road reminder

Mcdonalds

food establishment

Finger Heart 

spreading love

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“The first step in becoming media and information literate is to understand how information, ideas and meaning are communicated through and by various media and other information providers, such as libraries, archives, museums and the Internet”

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Enrichment 

Philippines can showcase a number of beauty it possesses. Some of the pieces of information communicated through advertisements are the tourist spots that can be found in the country. It aims to persuade tourists, locals and foreign, to visit the gems and enjoy the adventure it offers. These are presented through footages of the place and exhibition of the possible activities.

If I were to create a postcard for a place of my choice, I would have a collage of pictures of the tourist spot the country is most proud of. Not only the place, but also the food because people loves food and the Filipino cuisine has received positive responses about its taste. The culture can also be captured and featured in the post card. Through images, people who will receive my postcard can find out a bit of the country’s beauty. Understanding of the technical and symbolic codes contribute to media and information literacy in a way that it conveys information in an easier and more effective way. For example, road signs should be viewed quickly by drivers as they are moving. Hence, the information should be understand in a snap. Simpler codes can result to less miscommunication. 

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Sources:

• Gas Station - https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/08/27/10/46/gas-station-910098_960_720.png 
• Slippery Road - https://4.imimg.com/data4/QI/XV/MY-13762475/slippery-road-safety-sign-500x500.jpg 
• No Left Turn -https://www.wired.com/images_blogs/photos/uncategorized/2007/12/12/no_left_turn.gif 
• Mcdonalds - https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/900361513470496771/SY5tU8Lm.jpg 
• Finger Heart - https://ih0.redbubble.net/image.257073756.1253/flat,1000x1000,075,f.jpg