Description
ABSTRACT
This study is a semiotic analysis of selected English textbook covers. In doing this analysis, this literature considered the theory of Farahzad’s semiotic levels as well as Kress and Van Leeuwen model of semiotic analysis. The five samples used for this work were randomly selected from three(3) departments of the Faculty of Arts, University of Uyo. Applying the theory, datas was taken from these selected textbook covers. The research explored elements on the selected textbook covers, its reasons, uses and relevance to both the reader and the manufacturer.
INTRODUCTION
Textbook covers are peculiar aspects of a textbook as they determine the salability of the books and also have the persuasive power to entice readers. “Do not judge a book by its cover” is a term in English which metaphorically means “do not judge the value of a thing by its appearance”. However, studies show that books are overwhelmingly judged on the appearance of their cover.
In this regard, Ned Drew and Paul Sternberger (2005) claim that “the cover is a book’s first communication to its reader a graphic representation not simply of its content but of its point in history. Multiple studies have shown that readers are strongly drawn to covers that are visually appealing, intriguing or eye-catching. The cover art of a book can significantly affect the book’s sale and readership whether in a bookshop or library. In 1991, a study on adult book purchasing, Kamphus identified three attributes that had the most impact of reading attribute of the reader, (a) author, (b) the publisher, (c) the cover, of these he found that the cover’s appearance had the greatest effect. Kamphus(1991) study, looked at two separate aspects of cover design, the attractiveness of the book cover image and the representativeness of the book cover image. Kampus clearly shows that book covers are not done for reason of covering the book but it is of great importance and carries severe implications on not just the usage or representative of what the book entails but the cover carries a persuasive attitude towards the buyer as well as trying to inform the reader with the least bit of symbol or icons used what message the book is set to deliver.
Subsequently, Drew and Sternberge(2005) pointed out that, the cover is the image which is supposed to represent the content. This is further reinforced by the work of Dstous, Colbert and Mbarek (2006), who claim that,
Studies conducted in different domains have shown that consumer evaluation of related objects are generally more positive when the object fits well together. This has been observed in case of sponsors and sponsored events, promotion tools and products, and brand alliance partners. Therefore, it seems logical that the representativeness of a book cover should impact positively on readers’ evaluation of a new book. (p. 136)
Different people have carried out analysis on textbook covers, however, this work focuses on the analysis of signs and symbols as well as the choice of background used by textbook cover designer and equally how appealing and attractive it is to the readers.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to study
1.2 Statement of problem
1.3 Objective of study
1. 4 Theoretical framework
CHAPTER TWO
2. Methodology
2.1 Data Collection Procedure;
2.2 Sampling Procedure
CHAPTER THREE
3. Data Presentation
CHAPTER FOUR
4. Data Analysis /Discussion of Findings
4.2 Discussion of Findings
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Conclusion
References