Chapter 26 - Semiotics

Question 1

Goal of Semiotics

Answer 1

To interpret verbal and nonverbal signs, especially those that may subtly convey ideological or connotative meanings that tend to perpetuate dominant values in a society

Question 2

Semiotics

Answer 2

The study of the social production of meaning from sign systems; the analysis of anything that can stand for something else

Question 3

Signifier

Answer 3

The physical form or image of the sign as it is perceived through the senses

Question 4

Signified

Answer 4

The meaning associated with the sign

Question 5

Sign

Answer 5

The inseparable combination of the signifier and the signified

Question 6

Ex of Semiotics

Answer 6

A bunch of roses = Signifier
Romantic passion = Signified
The associative total of roses and passion = Sign

Question 7

Ferdinand de Saussure:

Answer 7

Signifier and signified are relational entities. The word “tree” has some meaning, but it depends on its context in relation to the other words which it is used with (oak tree/family tree)

Question 8

Mythologies

Answer 8

Mythologies that become associated with signs make things seem natural, inevitable, eternal - they “go without saying,” making change seem impossible (Ex: poverty)

Question 9

Denotative (or First-Order) Sign System

Answer 9

A descriptive sign without ideological content

Question 10

Connotative (Second-order, built on pre-existing first-order system) Sign System

Answer 10

A mythic sign that has been separated from its historical referent; a form without substance

Question 11

Deconstruction

Answer 11

The process of unmasking contradictions (or finding layers of meaning) within a text; debunking