In the digital age, the way information is transmitted has undergone profound changes. Multimodality is not only a new way to understand information, but also an important tool for reshaping our understanding of the nature of communication. With the rapid advancement of science and technology, simple text can no longer meet contemporary people's multi-layered and multi-dimensional needs for information. The combination of images, audio and text has become the new normal.
Multimodality is not just the stacking of a single medium, but a new way of expression that allows different meanings to be intertwined through multiple forms.
The concept of multimodality stems from the exploration of different delivery methods and message media. It emphasizes that information can be expressed through various modes such as text, graphics, audio, and video. This idea began to gain academic attention in the 1960s, and many researchers began to explore how multimodality affects human understanding and communication.
Although the practice of multimodality dates back to the ancient Greeks and later manifested itself in public speech, it was not until the 20th century that the concept began to be clearly defined as technology advanced. The traditional single text model is gradually replaced by more complex comprehensive methods. As John A. Bateman said: "Today, text no longer exists in isolation, but is a complex form of expression surrounded by visual elements."
Multimodality has become the norm for human communication, making our expressions more colorful.
The use of multimodality not only changes the way information is presented, but also affects the audience's understanding and acceptance. When text is combined with images and audio, the audience's perception of the information will change. Research points out that the audience's understanding is influenced by semi-semiotics, and the reproduction of words in different media will give them new meanings. The implications of this for the learning process are particularly important because it emphasizes the role of experience and perception in understanding.
In teaching, the understanding of multimodality is particularly important. Modern educational institutions need to re-examine traditional teaching concepts and seek to integrate new media such as visual texts and digital books into the classroom. While this remains a matter of debate within the education community, its potential for the future cannot be ignored.
New literacy will not replace traditional literacy, but will complement it and promote more comprehensive understanding and expression.
With the continuous advancement of technology, future teaching and learning methods will inevitably incorporate more multi-modal elements. Academics and practitioners are constantly exploring how to effectively integrate visual, text, audio and other media in the classroom to better adapt to the learning needs of a new generation of students.
The digital age has revolutionized the way we understand each other, allowing us to interact with the world in a more comprehensive way. Whether in education or in daily life, multimodality offers new possibilities for our communication. In the face of such changes, are we ready to embrace this diverse way of understanding and connect with the world around us in a more flexible way?