In today's digital age, the way we communicate is changing. From single text expression to diversified communication combining pictures, audio and various media, this evolution trend continues to influence how we understand information and convey messages. In this context, "multimodality" becomes an important concept, which describes how to communicate and express effectively through various forms.
Multimodality is the process of applying multiple literacies to the same medium, and multiple literacies or "modalities" help the audience understand the meaning of the component content.
Although the discussion of multimodality refers to medium and mode, the two terms are not synonymous. However, their specific scope may overlap depending on the individual authors and traditions. According to the definition of the famous scholar Gunther Kress, patterns can be understood from two aspects: first, patterns are things that are shaped by society or culture and give them meaning; second, patterns are semi-positive, affected by the inherent characteristics of their medium and Influenced by the demands of their culture or society. Simply put, each model has its own unique historical and cultural potential.
The phenomenon of multimodality and its theoretical description have a long history. As early as the fourth century BC, classical rhetoricians vaguely mentioned this concept, emphasizing the importance of voice, gesture and expression in public speaking. However, it was not until the 20th century that the term gained prominence. During this period, the rapid development of science and technology has spawned many new modes of expression, making pluralism the norm in the 21st century.
“Today…text is just one part of a complex presentation, with visual elements surrounding and sometimes replacing the text itself.”
The emergence of multiple models can significantly change the way audiences perceive information. By placing text and preconceived meanings into new contexts (such as audio, visual, or digital media), audiences are able to redefine their semantic associations. Research shows that students’ comprehension of information improves significantly when text is combined with a secondary medium, such as images or sound, because it directs the viewer’s attention to the source of the information and its reconstructed meaning.
In the 21st century, with the rise of digital and internet literacy, educational institutions have begun to rethink the traditional classroom teaching format. The new communication model not only enriches students' learning experience, but also provides unlimited possibilities for flexible knowledge transfer. This requires educators to adjust their perceptions of what constitutes literacy teaching and learning and adapt to a new generation that is no longer bound by printed texts.
As technology advances and society changes, the concept of multi-literacy is evolving, and our ability to read and write is no longer limited to traditional printed texts. For example, on digital platforms such as social media and blogs, the transmission of information has formed a rich interaction between audio-visual elements and text, which not only highlights the diversity of content, but also allows the meaning of the text to be reorganized in different contexts.
Conclusion"As content convergence progresses, the way information is delivered is also changing, allowing people to re-understand and re-interpret it in new media."
From literature to visual arts, from technology to interpersonal communication, multiple modes add color and depth to today's communication methods. However, does such a shift mean that classic traditional communication methods are no longer applicable? It is worth reflecting on this: In this diverse and intertwined world, how can we shape our own communication methods to make full use of these emerging forms of expression?