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Home
Media Studies
Key terms
Symbolic code

GCSE Media Studies · key term

Symbolic code

Definition

An element whose meaning depends on cultural associations, such as a costume suggesting status or a setting suggesting danger.

Used by AQA

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE Media Studies · 8572

Paper 1, Paper 2

Symbolic codes communicate through the associations of what a product shows. A costume can suggest occupation or status; a location can suggest wealth, danger or familiarity. These meanings depend on cultural knowledge and context.
Revise: Technical, print, symbolic and verbal codes

AQA Media Studies past papers

Related key terms

Code
Composition
Convention
Design
Diegetic sound

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Symbolic code — AQA GCSE Media Studies Definition