Rhetorical
1. used for, belonging to, or concerned with mere style or effect.
2. marked by or tending to use bombast.
When relating this to digital media, we could describe many factors as "rhetorical discourse". What are the characteristics of digital media? And how is it described? What kinds of situations are created by digital media? My biggest confusion when first reading this through was "What on earth does the author mean that rhetoric is situational?".
Rhetoric, meaning a language style, is incredibly situational. Culturally, language styles vary, and depending on the situation can mean different things. For example, the other day I learned that when british people use the word "quite" they mean "okay" or average. So if they said a girl was quite attractive, it would mean she is rather mediocre instead of what we view as very attractive. Interesting concept, but how can you tie this to digital media?
The best way I can think this relates is because it is very easy to misconstrue messages via digital transfer as compared to actually talking to someone. You can't hear their tone of voice, only see the words they type. The persons use of sarcasm, or true view point might not come across as they wish. I know I've misread texts before and thought that people were extremely upset when they clearly were not.
No comments:
Post a Comment