Introduction to Semiotics
The ‘science’ of studying signs or meaning
A code is a system of symbols or signs
Example: the tie, it has no purpose but it's a symbol designed to convey meaning, it's there to set a conventional code
Anything can be a code, the camera angle, the lighting, the expected plot of a narrative, genre
Codes are found in all forms of cultural practice - codes rely on a shared knowledge
In order to make sense of cultural artefacts we need to learn and understand their codes
Theory:
Signifier = Sound Image (Element of the sign that initially triggers meaning)
Signified = Mental Concept (the thought or feeling evoked by the signifier)
So, signifier + signified = sign!
There is no logical relationship between the signifier and signified in language and instead this relationship is arbitrary, it is decided by the culture
Denotation: basic understanding
eg- dog… ‘Four legged creature’ etc.
Connotation: associational meanings
eg- dog… ‘Loyalty’ ‘companionship’ ‘walks’
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