Concepts in Semiotics & Semiology

In our first lesson, we discussed Semiotics and Semiology. They are a study of sign that is used to find meaning in texts and other phenomena. In short, it is a form of linguistic.

Semiotic is a study of sign that is developed by Ferdinand de Saussure while Semiology is a study of language that is developed by Charles Sanders Peirce. Both Semiotics and Semiology are tools for us to uncover the "hidden" meaning behind a text.

To and extent; image, object, event, and a thing. These are all visible to our eyes and touchable to our hands -except the meaning.

Saussure's Models of Semiology

We can see and understand the world around us as a sign. Semiology is a mental process of signification.

In the picture, the sign of the "dog" conveys meaning. A dog is a man's best friend or it can be seen as a sign of loyalty. The meaning will depend on the context and situation.

Peirce's Semiotics

Peirce believes is to divide the sign into three-way classificatory parts, or trichotomy

The meaning of the object, or what does the object represent as a sign (representamen) depends entirely on the individual's thought (interpretant).

Associations

Meaning gets build through chain associations from time to time, from individual to individual, from culture to culture.

If there is no icon/symbol/index the object does not exist. We can't exist if there is no recording or drawing that proofs that we exist.

The object is surrounded (or the "realness" of the object is protected) by 3 sub-systems of sigs. It always fails to be present as the 'real' to us.

Communication by Similarity

This portrait painting of Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol is an example of communication by similarity.

People believe Marilyn Monroe exists because of Andy Warhol, the interpretant, painted a portrait that looks similar to Marilyn Monroe, which is the representation.

Communication by Trace

An example of communication by trace is the foot track of a dinosaur. We cannot see the real object but we can see ints representation which is the trace.

Communication that needs to be learned

This diagram represents that a meaning has to be constructed so we can believe it. Something that needs to be learned. They convey meanings that connects to historical events or culture, containing extra news, which will be the representation of meanings.

An example is the Pancasila Symbol. It has deeper meanings to the symbol itself. People need to learn it.

Another example is myths.

Symbol in Detail

Meaning: Specific to a particular period/timeframe, culture or religion

The picture on the left may mean more to a Christian or Catholics than a Buddhist.

The elements/symbol in the painting conveys meanings. The lighted candle in chandelier shows the presence if Christ. Convex mirror shows the Eye of God. A dog is a symbol of faithfulness. The bride's hand on the stomach signifies a willingness to bear children. Fruits on the table symbolizes Virgin Mary.

These are visual communication through objects.

Roland Barthes

Roland Barthes introduces the concepts of connotations and denotation.

Connotation

Cultural, or emotional meaning attached to an object/image/text/event/sign.

Example

James Bond connotes sexism, racism, male domination over woman, cool smoker, and assassins.

Denotation

The literal meaning of the term/object/image/sign.

Example

The teddy bear denotes blue, made of wool, black eyes, old, etc.

It connotes companionship, comfort, sleeping aid, etc.

In conclusion,

DENOTATION CONNOTATION

literal figurative

signifier signified(s)

evident inferred

describes suggests meaning

realm of existence realm of myth

Metaphor

Metaphor is a type of speech - communication based on analogy or simile

e.g

"I wanna live, I wanna give

I've been a miner for a heart of gold.'

This does not mean literally. It means that the person wants to be a good person, as it is described in the sentence "miner of gold".

This painting by Salvador Dali titled "sleep" can have a different meaning of metaphor according to ones perspective.

It can tell that it shows someone who is tired or it can also be to show ones emotion that is controlled by someone else.

Metonymy

Metonymy is a type of speech - communication based on substitute meaning.

It is a figure of speech where an object's name is replaced with another name that is closely connected with it.

This Unicef poster shows a fork that looks like a hand. The fork can be related to food while the hand shows a symbol of helping others.

Intertextuality

Intertextuality is a conscious "quotation". It is a dialogical speech between one and another.

The picture on the left shows that the glasses is making the Van Gogh painting focused. The poster is trying to imply that the glasses has great focusing functions.