Chapter 4 Flashcards
Define representation
the act of putting ideas into words, visuals, audio or any other medium of communication.
Define signifier
the aspect of a sign that we experience. things the senses can feel.
Define signified
the idea or mental concept drawn from the signifier
Define icon
a sign that looks like the object it represents (map)
Define index
a sign that is related to the object it represents (smoke : fire)
Define symbol
a sign that has no direct resemblance to the object it represents.
What is the indeterminacy of representation?
one sign can represent more than one thing, and one thing can have more than one sign.
Define intertextuality.
our interpretation of a sign depends on the meanings we have drawn from other sets of signs.
Define Polysemy
signs have more than one meaning and are open to a variety of interpretations.
What is a denotative symbol?
a literal or obvious interpretation
what is a connotative symbol?
a less obvious or subjective meaning.
what are communication studies concerned with?
rhetoric-how things are said
hermeneutics-how things are interpreted.
Explain social theory
a set of ideas about how the world is organized and functions. A representation of the social world.
Explain communication theory
attempts to understand the forces that give form and context to human communication.
Explain libertarian theory
individual freedom is the first and foremost social goal. limits the powers of the state by putting upper class private citizens in power of media.
