This glossary was created as part of my studies in Arts, Literature and Communication. Its purpose is to define and explain key concepts commonly used in literature, cinema and communication studies.
adaptation
noun
The process of changing a literary work into another form, such as a film or a play.
Example: The ADAPTATION of the novel into a film changed the ending.
en: adaptation
allegory
noun
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
Example: The novel functions as an ALLEGORY of freedom and oppression in modern society.
en: allégorie
author
noun
A writer of a book, article, or report.
Example: He is the AUTHOR of several books on the subject.
en: auteur
characterization
noun
The creation or description of a character’s personality in a literary or cinematic work.
Example: The CHARACTERIZATION of the protagonist makes the story more realistic.
en: caractérisation
cinematography
noun
The art of photographing and lighting scenes for a film.
Example: The film’s CINEMATOGRAPHY uses strong contrasts between light and shadow to reflect the character’s inner conflict.
en: cinématographie
communication
noun
The imparting or exchanging of information or ideas through speech, writing, or other media.
Example: Social media has transformed the way COMMUNICATION operates in modern society.
en: communication
discourse
noun
Written or spoken communication or debate.
Example: Political DISCOURSE is strongly influenced by the media.
en: discours
editing
noun
The process of selecting and arranging shots in a film to create a coherent sequence.
Example: The film’s EDITING increases the tension during the final scene.
en: montage
genre
noun
A category of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.
Example: Horror is a GENRE that reflects collective fears.
en: genre
imagery
noun
Visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in literature.
Example: The poet uses powerful IMAGERY to describe the landscape.
en: imagerie
intertextuality
noun
The relationship between texts, especially when one text references or influences another.
Example: The film shows strong INTERTEXTUALITY with classic noir cinema.
en: intertextualité
metaphor
noun
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
Example: Time is a METAPHOR for loss in the novel.
en: métaphore
narrative
noun
A spoken or written account of connected events; a story.
Example: The film’s NARRATIVE is non-linear.
en: récit
persuasion
noun
The action or process of persuading someone or of being persuaded to do or believe something.
Example: Advertising relies heavily on emotional PERSUASION.
en: persuasion
point of view
noun
The position from which a story is told or information is presented.
Example: The novel is written from a first-person POINT OF VIEW.
en: point de vue
representation
noun
The description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way.
Example: The REPRESENTATION of minorities in cinema has changed over time.
en: représentation
rhetoric
noun
The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
Example: Political speeches often rely on RHETORIC to influence audiences.
en: rhétorique
semiotics
noun
The study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation.
Example: SEMIOTICS helps analyze hidden meanings in advertisements.
en: sémiotique
symbolism
noun
The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
Example: Water is used as SYMBOLISM for rebirth in the film.
en: symbolisme
theme
noun
The central idea or topic explored in a text, film, or artwork.
