ql-align-justify"> Meaning does not exist on its own; it is created. Every act of communication is an act of interpretation shaped by memory, culture, and experience. Multimodal communication emerges from this process, emphasizing that meaning is formed through the interaction of multiple modes such as language, images, color, sound, and movement. Rather than delivering a single, fixed message, multimodal communication invites varied interpretations, making meaning fluid and personal rather than universal.

Human beings are naturally inclined to make meaning. The idea that we are “born to make meaning” explains why people instinctively interpret signs based on what they already know. Sound, like other semiotic resources, does not carry a fixed meaning. The sound of rain may be calming to some, while for others it may evoke fear or distress depending on their lived experiences. This difference in interpretation is reflected in the film Parasite (2019), where rain functions as a single event but produces opposing meanings across social contexts.

The importance of multimodal communication becomes even more evident in education. Students do not learn in identical ways, and meaning cannot be effectively conveyed through written text alone. By using multiple modes, educators can translate complex concepts into forms that are more accessible and meaningful.

In everyday life, especially within digital media, communication continues to evolve through multimodal forms. From traditional print to television and modern platforms such as short videos and vlogs, communication remains centered on meaning-making. Ultimately, multimodal communication shows that meaning is not fixed but continuously created through context, expression, and interpretation.

https://newlearningonline.com/literacies/chapter-1/deutscher-on-the-unfolding-of-language

Meaning-making Through Multimodal Communication