Lesson 3 - Signs and Meaning

Question 1

Signified and Signifier

Answer 1

1. The concept or object that is represented
2. The form of a sign (sound, word, photo, painiting, expression, etc.)

Question 2

Signifier and Signified are arbitrary. Why is their link also arbitrary?

Answer 2

Because any other combination is also possible (You can call a dog a car)

Question 3

Why is the Signifier arbitrary?

Answer 3

Because the sound or letters are not natural and have been decided at some point.

Question 4

Why is the Signified arbitrary?

Answer 4

Because concepts are neither universal nor fixed

(Tree, American, House, etc.)

Question 5

Pierces 3 types of signs:

Answer 5

Icon: Physical relation/resemblance to the signified

Index: Logical relation to signified (growling stomach, etc.)

Symbol: Arbitrary and based on convention

Question 6

Ideology and Myth

Answer 6

Myths are images/stories that are made to seem natural

Question 7

What is one example of a myth supporting an ideology?

Answer 7

Myth: America as chosen land

Ideology: Colonialism and expansion