Printed language is one of the most fundamental media codes that has shaped human communication for centuries. It forms the backbone of knowledge transfer and preservation, allowing ideas to be shared across time and space. This page will delve into the intricacies of printed language as a media code, examining its evolution, significance, and the role it continues to play in our increasingly digital world.
Printed language has evolved significantly over the centuries, and its journey as a media code can be traced back to the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. This marked a turning point in human history, making written knowledge accessible to the masses and laying the foundation for the spread of literacy. With the advent of film in the late 19th century, printed language found new applications. Silent films, for instance, used intertitles - printed texts inserted between the film frames - to convey dialogue or to provide narrative context. This was an ingenious adaptation of printed language in a primarily visual medium. Even in the era of sound films, printed language continues to play a crucial role, such as in the form of subtitles or credits. This shows how printed language, as a media code, has continued to adapt and evolve in tandem with technological advancements.
In the era of silent films, printed language was used in the form of intertitles to convey dialogue and provide narrative context. A classic example is the German expressionist film "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" where intertitles were an essential part of the storytelling process.
Subtitles are another important application of printed language in films. They provide translation for non-native speakers and are crucial for international films to reach a wider audience. A recent example is the Korean film "Parasite", which, with the help of subtitles, was able to cross language barriers and achieve global acclaim.
Credits at the start or end of a film are a standard form of printed language in cinema. They acknowledge the cast and crew involved in the making of the film. The opening credits of "Star Wars", with their iconic crawling text, are a memorable example of this.
