Hall's Encoding/Decoding Model

Hall’s Encoding/Decoding Model explains how media messages are created and understood. "Encoding" is when producers craft content with certain ideas or meanings. "Decoding" is how viewers interpret or make sense of that content, which can vary based on their background or context. Sometimes viewers interpret messages as intended (dominant-hegemonic reading), sometimes questioning or resisting it, or even misunderstanding it altogether. This model highlights that communication is not always straightforward; meanings can shift between creator and audience depending on different perspectives and social factors.