Structuralism-Poststructuralism

Semiology

The study of language as symbols.

Signifier

The form, word, or sound that represents a concept.

Signified

The conceptual image or idea that is stimulated by the signifier.

Structuralism

A theoretical framework that seeks to understand the underlying structures in cultural phenomena, associated with theorist Charles Sander Pierce.

Poststructuralism

A theoretical approach that questions fixed meanings and emphasizes individual interpretation, associated with theorist Jacques Derrida.

Iconic

A type of sign that visually represents its meaning, such as a no smoking sign.

Symbolic

A type of sign understood by convention and cultural upbringing, like a traffic light.

Indexical

A type of sign that indicates a subject, such as a rash indicating a virus.

Differance

A concept by Derrida that refers to the infinite chain of words and the idea that meanings evolve through individual interpretations.

Deconstruction

A method of analysis that seeks contradictions and conflicts to destabilize traditional interpretations of texts.

Reading against the Grain

An interpretive approach that challenges conventional readings of a text.

Trace

The idea that a subject leaves a 'footprint' when its image or dialogue is transferred to film, influencing other films.

Graft

The concept that signs change according to context, such as how popular actors can influence audience reactions based on their previous roles.

Nested Symbol

A symbol that contains another symbol within it, as seen in the parody of "Dinner with Andre" in the Community episode.

Writer-ly Text

A text that contains deep references or complex meanings, making it less accessible to the average reader.