Semiotics

Question 1

In the reading Mythologies by Barthes, what is the significance of toys being the replications of real adult things?

Answer 1

It is a strategic way to create a foundational acceptance of what is present in the world

Question 2

Toys being replications of real adult things to create an acceptance of what is present in the world creates what kind of relationship between the child and the object?

Answer 2

It creates the notion that you are simply the USER of object

Question 3

What question would be posed when observing representation through a reflective view?

Answer 3

Does language reflect a meaning that is already out there?

Question 3

What are the 3 different accounts/theories surrounding representation?

Answer 3

1. Reflective
2. Intentional
3. Constructionist

Question 4

Questioning whether a film is merely demonstrating meaning that is already out there is what type of theoretical perspective on representation?

Answer 4

Reflective

Question 5

Does language only express what the speaker wants to say/represent? This question would be posed by which theoretical perspective on representation?

Answer 5

Intentional

Question 6

How would somebody pose a question through the constructionist view?

Answer 6

Is meaning constructed in and through language?

Question 7

Does the use and presentation of language construct meaning? This question would be posed by which theoretical perspective on representation?

Answer 7

Constructionist view

Question 8

Why should we study semiotics?

Answer 8

To be more aware of the construction and reconstruction of meanings

Question 9

What is an example of something having no fixed meaning?

Answer 9

‘Tree’ being thought of in many different ways by different people, like ‘palm tree’, or family tree.

Can you think of another?

Question 10

a ‘sign’ is the union of

Answer 10

signifier and signified

Question 11

Form or word

Answer 11

Signifier

Question 12

The idea or concept that a form or word is associated with

Answer 12

Signified

Question 13

The unification of signifier and signified

Answer 13

Sign

Question 14

The act of speaking, writing, drawing using the system of language

Answer 14

parole

Question 15

Woman on the floor with her finger in her mouth is an example of a ________

Answer 15

Signifier

Question 16

A woman on the floor with her finger in her mouth meaning submissiveness, sensuality, and beauty is an example of a ________

Answer 16

Signified

Question 17

Secondary signification involves _________ and _________

Answer 17

Connotation and denotation

Question 18

Pieces of cloth sewn together to represent what is known as a dress is an example of

Answer 18

Denotation

Question 19

The additional meanings, associations, or emotions that a sign carries beyond its literal definition

Answer 19

Connotation

Question 20

The literal, explicit, or primary meaning of a sign

Answer 20

Denotation

Question 21

What is semiotics?

Answer 21

Semiotics is the study of signs, symbols, and their meanings, including how they are used and interpreted within cultures and societies.

Question 22

The physical form of a sign, such as a word, sound, image, or gesture.

Answer 22

Signifier

Question 23

Describe a signifier

Answer 23

The physical form of a sign, such as a word, sound, image, or gesture.

Question 24

Define “denotation” and “connotation” in semiotics

Answer 24

Denotation refers to the literal or primary meaning of a sign, while connotation refers to the additional meanings, associations, or emotions that a sign carries beyond its literal definition.

Question 25

How does secondary signification occur in semiotics?

Answer 25

Secondary signification occurs when a sign gains additional meanings or connotations beyond its original or primary signification. This can happen through metaphor, cultural context, semantic shifts, intertextuality, or political appropriation

Question 26

Signifies is the

Answer 26

Signifier (the word or image)

Question 27

The ‘semiotic approach’ was greatly influenced by the Swiss linguist ________

Answer 27

Saussure

Question 28

Meaning depends on the relationship between __________________ and _____________________

Answer 28

things in the world and the conceptual system which can operate as mental representations of them

Question 29

The general term we use for words, sounds or images which carry meaning is called _____

Answer 29

signs

Question 30

Visual signs are what are called ____________. That is, they bear, in their form, a certain resemblance to the object, person, or event to which they refer.

Answer 30

iconic signs

Question 31

How did Saussure and Foucault differ in their study of language?

Answer 31

Saussure focused more on meaning-making through the use of signs in a static, non-historical point of view. Foucault on the other hand, aimed at analyzing how things obtained meaning and use through available knowledge and power at a particular time.

Question 32

What is the underlying argument behind the semiotic approach?

Answer 32

Since all cultural objects convey meaning, and all cultural practices depend on meaning, they must make use of signs.

Question 33

According to Barthes, what is the second level of signification called?

Answer 33

Myth

Question 34

A method for analyzing how visual representations convey meaning

Answer 34

semiotic approach

Question 35

Foucault was concerned about the production of ____________ through _________

Answer 35

Knowledge, discourse

Question 36

The idea that physical things and actions exist, but they only take on meaning and become objects of knowledge within discourse, is at the heart of _____________________________

Answer 36

the constructionist theory of meaning and representation