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The problem of understanding polysemous words that differ in meaning has dominated discourse in communication studies in recent years. It has not only led to studies on problems of representation between homonymy and polysemy and their linkages in memory, but also involves the various ways that any message can be decoded for understanding. The paper is anchored on two theoretical underpinnings: the framing theory developed by Erving Goffman which explains the use of cognitive skills to make meaning out of individuals' environmental stimuli in daily life; and the relevance theory, which owes its origin to Paul Grice and posits that meaning is first a psychological phenomenon before becoming a linguistic one. The paper examines the concepts of communication production, circulation, use, consumption, distribution, and reproduction, which represent methods by which messages are produced and disseminated; as well as the preferred, the oppositional, and the negotiated forms, which are the major ways that messages are decoded. It also explains how cultural texts or codes, which are essentially systems of meaning whose rules and conventions are shared by members of a culture, lay the foundation for the interpretation of media texts and how 'readers' of media texts can combine their experiences of given media programmes to further communicate such texts to others, a process that is akin to the multi-step flow process of communication by opinion leaders in their extension of influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes Instagram in the context of metamodern cultural logic, focusing on the study of 1) the structural and (non-)class characteristics of the Instagram community using the theory of capital by Pierre Bourdieu, Robert Putnam, and Michael Woolcock as well as the concepts of master and small narratives; 2) the Spectacle versus Authenticity practices of Instagrammers using the performance concepts by Guy Debord, Jean Baudrillard, and Erving Goffman; 3) heterochronicity as a new temporality on Instagram in the metamodern condition. I examine the oscillation between the modern features of Instagram, orienting Instagrammers towards the creation of a like-minded community with hierarchical divisions into status groups, and its postmodern features as a fragmented field where actors play their performances that can be perceived ironically. It is emphasized that on Instagram “small narratives” are not imposed from the outside but are involuntarily created by Instagrammers themselves through sharing, liking, and commenting practices. The content of the social (bonding, bridging, and linking), cultural (objectified, incorporated, and certified), symbolic, and economic capital of Instagrammers has been revealed. The paper concludes that Instagram visual practices in metamodern condition oscillate between performances played out by celebrities and authentic self-presentations in which Instagrammers reveal their sincere selves. It demonstrates that Instagram’s heterochronicity is manifested in the simultaneous co-presence of different modes of time in Instagram narratives and the simultaneous appearance of visual posts over different years, which allows to trace the visual self-narration of an Instagram user over time. The heterochronicity of Instagram is its metamodern feature that makes different temporal moments to co-present each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study applies Erving Goffman's (1974) "frame analysis" principles to examine how Sharia governance is practiced in Islamic banks and explores the interaction and strategies adopted by bank managers to influence the decisions of Sharia scholars. The study also aims to identify inherent flaws in the Sharia compliance review system. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs the principles of Goffman as a lens to critically analyse a rich dataset obtained through interviews undertaken with 46 key players operating in the governance framework of the Malaysian Islamic banking industry due to its progressive Islamic governance framework. Findings: The study demonstrates that managers of Islamic banks may engage in "passing" and "covering" strategies while interacting within the governance structure. Concurrently, Sharia boards (SBs) implement "protective practices" during their interactions, adding complexity to their responsibilities within the banks. Consequently, SBs cannot merely be viewed as instruments for legitimising banking operations. This raises questions about the "impression management," "concealment" and "competence" strategies employed by managers and SB members, as suggested by Goffman's framework. These findings indicate that there is room for further enhancement in the governance practices of Islamic banks. Research limitations/implications: Future research could explore aspects related to the governance of Islamic banks, such as investigating the independence and effectiveness of internal Sharia officers. Examining the strategies employed during their interactions with external Sharia boards and other stakeholders could provide further valuable insights. Practical implications: By highlighting shortcomings in the governance and compliance review process, the findings could serve as a valuable resource for policymakers. The insights derived could inform the development of regulations aimed at reducing opportunistic behaviour and promoting accountability in the Islamic banking sector. Originality/value: This study uniquely employs Goffman's concepts of "frontstage" and "backstage" strategies to offer insights into the interactions between Islamic bank managers and SBs and the impact of these interactions on Sharia compliance. The study contributes to the understanding of the dynamics between key players in the governance of Islamic banks and the factors influencing their adherence to Sharia principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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