Semiotics: Signs Flashcards
How do we analyse a text semiotically?
Examine how meanings are encoded (created by producer), and decoded (understood by intended audience)
Define semiotics:
The study of signs + symbols, and their use or interpretation
What are examples of semiotics?
- Denotation + connotation
- Signs: signifier + signified
What is a signifier?
The physical form of a sign
Define signified:
The concept that a signifier refers to
What is a sign?
A discrete unit of meaning. Includes words, images, sounds, and gestures
What are texts/images in paper based media?
Signs
Give examples of signs in moving image media:
Mis en scene, camerawork, editing, sound
What is important about signs?
They have been carefully chosen - they have a meaning + purpose
What was Ferdinand de Saussure’s theory? (1857-1913)
Every sign has 3 elements; Sign, signifier, signified
What do producers do to signs due to disagreements?
Create preferred meaning which is the one they want their audience to believe
What was Charles Peirce’s theory? (1839-1914)
That signs were in categories + there were 3 diff types of signs: Icon, index, symbol
What are iconic signs?
Signs that communicate through resemblance. E.g. photo
Are highly motivated: Communicates very clearly what meaning is
What are indexical signs?
Signs that communicate through association. Since one thing exists, another is assumed - direct link between sign + signified meaning
E.g. Smoke is an index of fire - smoke cant exist without fire
What are symbolic signs?
Relationship between sign + object is an agreement. Its arbitrary (random). Symbolic signs are social conventions - they’re learnt
E.g. Male + female gender symbols don’t look like a male and female
