ABSTRACT
Communication today involves a range of modes of meaning including gesture, language, image, sound and space. We also use different tools or materials to share information in diverse socio-cultural contexts. This chapter explores the concepts of multimodality and semiotics as these concepts relate to communication practices in society today. It discusses the various codes and conventions for each of the modes in order to provide suitable meta-language for both teachers and students. The chapter then analyses the concepts of social and cultural semiotics. Understanding the use of signs and symbols within the arts, from a range of perspectives, is important for students in becoming arts-literate. Information related to classroom practice and meaning-making is also shared so that socially-just and inclusive practices are possible.
