Perception of Myth in Print and Online Media

Abstract

While analyzing media texts, linguists usually distinguish between denotation and connotation of linguistic signs. Barthes (Rayner, Wall & Kruger, 2001) has added another term "myth". This term is used by a number of scholars and was first mentioned in Barthes' essay "myth today" (Bignell, 1997; Bignell, 2002; Turner, 2005). Myth is a system of signifiers, a semiological system, where social, historical and cultural meanings are connected with a sign (Turner, 2005; Rayner, Wall & Kruger, 2001; Barthes in Bignell, 1997; Gaines, 2001). In this paper, we will discuss a meaning of myth in media, its perception through media in print and online journalism. The paper provides an analysis of the case of myth creation and the characteristics of narration in print and online news. One of the main features of online newspapers is non-linear model of narration and nonlinear perception of information by readers.