Different representations and semiotics analysis of web news texts

This study observes the different representations and semiotics that web news texts encode and how these different sign systems could have influences on meanings. It analyzes the events, participants and semiotics of particular news items as covered in three different web newspapers. In studying the different representations of the news texts, an approach by Bell (1998) is implemented in considering the events and participants of the story presented. Semiotics analysis described by Bignell (2002) and Danesi (2002) is used to uncover the hidden messages in every news text where linguistic and graphic signs are involved. Linguistic signs cover the headlines, lexical choices and language use. Graphic signs take on typography, and photographs or images presented to complement the story. The study reveals how these three media use different representations, linguistic and graphic signs as a means of representing the news items to affect readers’ perceptions and insights of the events.