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Media Representations

Hall and representation as the production of meaning

  • 3 things to know
  • Components 1 and 2

Overview

Hall's first proposition about representation, constructionist approach to representation and intentional approach to meaning.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Which theorist defined representation as the production of meaning through language?

Key term

What does Hall mean by language in his definition of representation?

Key term

State Hall's first proposition about representation.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Which theorist defined representation as the production of meaning through language?

    Model answer

    Stuart Hall defined representation that way. Hall used language in the broadest sense to mean any system of signs.

  2. 2

    What does Hall mean by language in his definition of representation?

    Model answer

    Hall means any system of signs and not only words. Images, sounds, gestures and clothing all count as language.

  3. 3

    State Hall's first proposition about representation.

    Model answer

    Hall argued that representation makes meaning through language rather than reflecting a meaning already there. Language here covers any system of signs.

  4. 4

    Why does Hall reject the idea that representation reflects reality?

    Model answer

    A reflection would require meaning to exist before the sign. Hall argued instead that meaning is produced by the act of representation.

  5. 5

    What is the constructionist approach to representation?

    Model answer

    The constructionist approach holds that meaning is constructed in and through language. Neither the world nor the individual fixes meaning alone.

  6. 6

    How does Hall's account differ from a reflective approach?

    Model answer

    A reflective approach treats media as a mirror held up to the world. Hall's constructionist account treats media as a producer of meaning.

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