A STUDY OF CARTOON TRAILERS IN ENGLISH FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MULTIMODAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS

Abstract

In this thesis, the researcher proposed a model for the multimodal discourseanalysis of cartoon trailers in terms of verbal and visual resources. In particular, the researcher analyzed the elements constructing the meaning of image and classified the process type of all the utterances, then reached to the final conclusion. Three cartoon trailers were analyzed for a case study with the aim to explore how the semantic features and visual images within a trailer interacted with each other in the process of meaning creation.To carry out the study, theoretical background about MDA was briefly reviewed in terms of visual grammar, transitivity process and narrative structure. Then the images were analyzed in term of participants, process and circumstance. Relating to verbal modes, all the utterances were transcribed and classified into process types.Finally, due to the purpose of each shot, it was identified according to narrative structure. From the analysis above, a conclusion might be drawn that the final meaning of each shot was a combination of all modalities such as images, sound, music, and spoken language.The research is of great significance in theory and practice aspects. Firstly, it goes beyond the traditional field of verbal analysis; hence, opens a new dimensionfor the multimodal discourse analysis of cartoon trailers. Secondly, through demonstrating how the spoken language and visual modalities are realized, it testifies the strong applicability and practicality of Grammar of Visual Design in analyzing cartoon trailers. Lastly, the proposed model may benefit the image producers and help them make good use of choice-making of visual elements to accomplish the best visual design.