Semiotics

Semiotics

The study of signs and symbols and their use of interpretation.

Semiotic analysis

Studies the roles of signs and the part they play on a social and cultural scale.

Sign

The smallest unit of meaning

1. The Signifier

2. The Signified

In order to create or define a sign, you will need two pieces, what are these?

Signifier

Any material or physical form of the sign-the object that exists

Signified

A cultural or social concept that a signifier refers to - what it means

Sausserean

What kind of model is example?

Ferdinand de Saussure

Who created the model?

The link the mind triggers whenever the two are placed together.

The line between the signified and signifier represents ________.

Arrows

Represents the constant interaction between concept and sound/visual.

1. Symbolic

2. Iconic

3. Indexical

Type of Signs:

Symbolic

The signifier (the physical/material) does not resemble the signified (concept)

Symbolic

The relationship between the two must be taught

1. Traffic signs/traffic lights

2. Foreign language/sign language

3. National flags

4. Punctuation, and Morse code.

Examples of Symbolic:

Iconic

The signifier (the physical/material) resembles the signified (concept), so the relationship is obvious.

1. Photograph or portrait of someone

2. Cartoon

3. Gesture

4. A metaphor

Examples of Iconic:

Indexical

The signifier (the physical/material) is directly connected to the signified (concept), but the relationship is at the interpreter's discretion.

1. Sound signals (a knock at the door or a phone ringing)

2. Natural signals (smoke means fire or footsteps means someone is approaching)

3. Pointer signals (directions or a finger pointing)

4. Recordings (a film, TV show, photograph, or YouTube video).

Examples of Indexical:

1. Denotation

2. Connotation

3. Ideology

4. Paradigm

5. Syntagm

6. Mythology

7. Semiotic situation

Other semiotics:

Denotation

The most basic literal meaning of a sign.

Denotative interpretation (Denotation)

It helps associate the signifier (the physical/material) with the actual definition of the signified (concept

Connotation

The secondary, cultural meaning of a sign

Connotative interpretations (Connotation)

It helps associate the signifier (the physical/material) with emotions, feelings, or cultural "stories" of the signified (concept).

Ideology

A set of ideas that create a culture's expectations, goals, and actions

Ideology

In semiotics, this relates usually to social or political issues.

Paradigm

Aset of associated signifieds (concepts) or signifiers (the physical/material) which belong to the same category

Syntagm

A sequential chain that combines interacting signifiers (the physical/material) and forms a meaningful whole within a semiotic text

Mythology

The combination of paradigms and syntagms that make up a well-told story with regards to cultural association

Semiotic situation

A moment when we try to make sense of our surroundings and interpret one aspect based on the signs of our situation