Suchergebnisse

In an analysis of the messages transmitted by radio & television in Mexico it is suggested that these electronic media do not provide genuine communication, but rather commercialism, aimed at a consumer society. Mexico is not culturally integrated, but has a variety of marginal social groups, including the indigenous population, for whom Spanish is a language of domination. These people are presented with concepts & cultural content outside their cognitive ambit. Advertising imparts the message that it is important to have money. Many who receive these messages have no capacity to view them critically. These aspects are discussed in the light of theories on semiology & semantics. A series of questions explores the relationship between language & meaning, & the aspects of power involved in media-communicated messages. Media power may belong to the state or to private enterprise; in either case, its effect on the psychology & perception of the audience, as well as on the use of language, is powerful. Developing countries are inculcated with mercantile ideas & concepts which serve the class interest of specific groups. The solution would be a greater participation of the populations addressed by the media, but this would require a change in social structure. S. Whittle.