Blog Post #6

Multimodality, as described by Gunter Kress, is the theory of communication that discusses the combination and utilization of multiple modes of media in order to relay a message. For example, an image coupled with text falls under the theory of modality. Kress talks about how the modes being used are not the only important things in communication, however, because format plays a very important role in what is being communicated. The example he uses is the order of importance on a website, where more important things are listed at the top of, say, an article, whereas the creator deems as less important are towards the bottom when you scroll.

            The tension between Kress and Wysocki’s views of multimodality is held within their respective beliefs. Kress states that the number of modes is the most important part in communicating an idea, stating that different modes have different functions and uses. However, Wysicki states that the mode is less important in communication, and the more important function is the format in which it is laid out in – space. Anything that is being watched or heard in the moment, such as audio or video, would fall under time.

            I thought this was an interesting read and viewing on a theory I had previously never heard of before. It broke down the make of a mode of communication and went into detail about how so many factors come into play when relaying a message to an audience, particularly the space in which a message is held.