2022 IJRSE – Volume 11 Issue 3
Available Online: 17 January 2022
Author/s:
Moldez, Cheene*
Department of Education, Davao de Oro Division, Philippines (cheene.moldez@deped.gov.ph)
Gomez, Dan
University of Mindanao, Tagum, Philippines (dangomez031986@gmail.com)
Abstract:
This study aimed to establish that online news photographs were dependent on language, using visual literacy. Semiotic analysis was utilized to determine the semiotic features present on the fifteen selected online news photographs. Also, a phenomenological approach was employed to highlight the information gathered on how students’ understanding of online news photographs affects their personal viewpoints regarding issues in society and how semiotic features of online news photographs aid on visual literacy of students. The participants of the study were the fourteen (14) Grade 12 high school students in Maco North District, Division of Davao de Oro. There were seven participants for the in-depth interview (IDI) and seven participants for focus group discussion (FGD). This study obtained significant information that helped derive the semiotic features of photos based on their signifier, signified, denotative meaning, connotative meaning, and myth. Moreover, the study aided the understanding of students’ viewpoints on issues in our society such as personal concerns, public awareness, clarity of message, stewards of the importance of news, sociological imagination, and civic action. Finally, participants shared how semiotic features aid their visual literacy, such as offering visual metalanguage, expressing emotions, and conveying messages.
Keywords: MAEd-Teaching English, semiotics, online news photographs, visual literacy, Philippines
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2022.115
Cite this article:
Moldez, C., & Gomez, D. (2022). Looking at the bigger picture: A semiotic analysis on online news photographs. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 11(3), 1-58. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2022.115
*Corresponding Author