Text/Language/Formality of 'Empire' Magazine

Now, I will study the use of

• text
• language
• punctuation
• structure

in terms of the

• overall formality
•  attitude of the magazine
• voice of the writer



I have drawn information both from print issues of 'Empire' and also the text interviews available to view online at http://www.empireonline.com/

I will deconstruct and break down the text, language, punctuation and structure of a written based interview understanding the questions asked, the manner in whcih they are asked and whether humour is favoured over formality,or even used at all.

Also, notice the common codes + conventions used to identify the article with 'Empire.'

Common Codes + Conventions

I have analysed the text, punctuation, structure and mise en scene of an 'Empire' text interview and have concluded although very formal and technical language is used both in the answers and questions, there is additonally a very informal attitude towards the questions and voice of the writer.

This includes the slight use of humour, allowance of swearing (inappropriate language) and the use of words such as 'Yeah' rather than 'Yes.'

Below, are a list of common conventions which are evident mostly in all 'Empire' articles but in all magazine articles or features:

• Heading + sub heading (introductory line)
• Dividing line which separates title from the main body of the text
• Questions are in bold and to an extent in a larger size and font
• Questions are unbold to differentiate the questions to the interviewee's answers
• Large images - sophisticated, classic photos which break up the text-relevant to the subject matter
• V. COMMON- at the end of the inteview, a line of text relating to another article which may be of interest to the reader, in this case 'Martin Freeman talks Sherlock' (fellow actor)
• A 2nd line of text - gives vital information on the basis of the interview (Sherlock Holmes, BBC, and also where to grab an 'Empire' issue)
• Thirdly, it states 'Interview by Nick de Semlyen' - which identifies the reader with who is responsible for the interview and also the strong, critical or humorous voice of the article