Texts and Constructed Meaning
In the article "Texts and Constructed Meaning", Daniel Chandler asserts that there are three models that describe the relationship between text (the media message) and the reader:
"The range of theories about where meaning emerges in the relationship between readers and texts can be illustrated as a continuum between two extreme positions respectively, those of determinate meaning and completely 'open' interpretation, thus:
The objectivist model refers to communication that is 'transmissive' or the meaning is 'transmitted' from a 'sender' to a passive 'receiver'.
What are some examples of this type of communication?
In the constructivist model meanings of texts are "neither completely predetermined nor completely open, but are subject to certain constraints."
Also
"Individual readers may either accept, modify, ignore or reject such preferred readings, according to their experience, attitudes and purposes. This whole attitudinal spectrum towards meaning- making with texts parallels that relating to the nature of reality: ranging from objectivism, via intersubjectivity, to subjectivism."
How do you think literacy (or lack thereof) plays a role in how readers interpret text?
Finally, consider the subjectivist model in that the reader is more experienced and involved in a "continual process of making inferences, evaluating the validity and significance of texts, relating them to prior experience, knowledge and viewpoint, and considering implications."
How would these type of readers interpret text? Think about blogging as an example.
"Reading is not passive 'information retrieval' and a text does not have a single, unchanging meaning."
Reading other student's blogs about a common topic might give more insight into how the subjectivist model works.
"The range of theories about where meaning emerges in the relationship between readers and texts can be illustrated as a continuum between two extreme positions respectively, those of determinate meaning and completely 'open' interpretation, thus:
- Objectivist: Meaning entirely in text ('transmitted');
- Constructivist: Meaning in interplay between text and reader ('negotiated');
- Subjectivist: Meaning entirely in its interpretation by readers ('re-created')."
"A text cannot speak for itself: it needs a reader as well as a writer."
The objectivist model refers to communication that is 'transmissive' or the meaning is 'transmitted' from a 'sender' to a passive 'receiver'.
What are some examples of this type of communication?
In the constructivist model meanings of texts are "neither completely predetermined nor completely open, but are subject to certain constraints."
Also
"Individual readers may either accept, modify, ignore or reject such preferred readings, according to their experience, attitudes and purposes. This whole attitudinal spectrum towards meaning- making with texts parallels that relating to the nature of reality: ranging from objectivism, via intersubjectivity, to subjectivism."
How do you think literacy (or lack thereof) plays a role in how readers interpret text?
Finally, consider the subjectivist model in that the reader is more experienced and involved in a "continual process of making inferences, evaluating the validity and significance of texts, relating them to prior experience, knowledge and viewpoint, and considering implications."
How would these type of readers interpret text? Think about blogging as an example.
"Reading is not passive 'information retrieval' and a text does not have a single, unchanging meaning."
Reading other student's blogs about a common topic might give more insight into how the subjectivist model works.
posted by Nettrice at 9:55 AM
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