Tekstitystasona

Tekstitystasona is a theoretical concept in media studies used to describe the stratification of textual information within audiovisual works. The term combines Finnish words tekstitys (subtitling, captioning) and taso (level) with the suffix -na, indicating a functional state. The concept emerged in Nordic media discourse in the early 21st century as scholars explored how different forms of text interact with image and sound to shape interpretation.

Definition: Tekstitystasona refers to deliberate separation and layering of text into multiple levels that audiences simultaneously perceive. Primary text includes spoken dialogue and visible on-screen text. Secondary text encompasses subtitle tracks, captions, and on-screen glosses. Meta-text covers director’s notes, annotations, and contextual captions that accompany the main narrative. The framework analyzes how each level contributes to meaning, pacing, and accessibility.

Applications: In subtitling and captioning, tekstitystasona guides the design of multiple concurrent text streams, enabling multilingual access or tiered information for learners. In documentary and educational media, annotated editions use tekstitystasona to provide glosses, references, or critical commentary without interrupting core narration. It is also used in interactive media to manage user-selected text layers.

Reception: The concept is primarily discussed in academic contexts and professional accessibility circles. Proponents argue that layering textual information can enhance comprehension and multilingual reach, while critics caution that excessive layering may overwhelm viewers and obscure imagery.

See also: subtitling, captioning, video annotation, media accessibility.