Blog #6

            Multimodality is a theory on communication that bases it self on the unity of different modes in order to create a meaning to the audience through text and visual layouts. The modes to me would be like the words in a sentence.  They provide a fraction of a meaning, once these modes are put together in an order that relates meaning; the whole of it becomes what we can call multimodality.  In the video interview with Gunther Kress, he describes a mode as a visual resource. He provides examples and ideas about modes saying that they can be manipulated in order present a message.  As the interview takes place, he references modes on a webpage layout, but modes be different depending on the message that is being attempted at.   For example, a textile designer will use modes such as thread, color and needles to help create one pattern in fabric. 

            There is a slight tension between Kress and Wysicki’s view of multimodality.  Kress argues that in order to produce a message, the use of multiple modes is very important.  On the other hand, Wysicki believes that it does not have to do with the amount of modes, but what is more important and stresses the most, is the form that it is laid out and how the modes use the space to pass their message to their audience.  They do both believe that multimodality is a whole of many parts that are grouped together in a certain framework and order to present an audience with a message and a meaning.