Museums and labelling : differences, discursive influences and professional identities

Rall, Medeé

Museums and labelling : differences, discursive influences and professional identities

Master Thesis

2004

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Centre for Applied Language and Literacy Studies and Services in Africa

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

This study had its origins in the interest of the researcher in the literacy practices involved in the production og museum labels. Three displays at the South African Museum, Go Bats!, Mineral Mania and Fossil Stories, were selected for close study because they presented key examples of the differences the researcher wanted to study. These differences appeared to be present in the language used in the labels as well as in the aesthetics of the displays. The research attempts to explain these apparent differences and attempts to provide an explanation as to why and how differences in the genres of writing and designing labels appear. The research entailed examining the literacy and semiotic social practices implicit in the design activities of different museum professionals - scientists, designers and educators.

Description

Bibliography: leaves 77-80.

Keywords

Applied Language Studies

Reference:

Collections

Masters

Full item page