Semiotics Explained

Semiotics can be defined as the study of signs/symbols and how people interpret them. A sign is composed of two parts, the first being the signifier. The second part of a sign is the signified, this is the meaning we take from it. For example if the signifier is the word plane, the signified will be an image of a plane.

Types Of Sign:

We will understand visual signs in the same way in which we understand words.

If we see 5 different images of a ruler although the signifier is different the signified is the same.

Different Types Of Sign:

Iconic Sign

• This is a sign which will resemble what it is signifying, for example the use of a wheelchair would signify that something is for a disabled person.

Arbitrary Sign 

• This type of sign only signifies something because we all agree that it does. All words are arbitrary sings, for example Cheese, Fromage, Käse, Formaggio do not resemble: 

Symbolic Sign

• This is a sign which is a mixture of an iconic and arbitrary sign. It is referred to as a symbolic sign because it signifies much more than its iconic significance. For Example a road sign for a crossing, if interpreted as a iconic sign you weed see a man whereas the actual meaning is that it is a man crossing a road:

 Indexical Sign

• Indexical signs are meant to indicate something by association 

For example a picture of smoke would indicate fire, or in this case as the person is smiling (making an expression) it is an index of feeling:

Denotation And Connotation:

• Denotation is where the sign is referring to the actual meaning of the signified concept.
• Connotation is where the sign refers to the meanings associated with the signified referent or concept.

Denotation - This rose denotes that is a white rose with a green stem.

Connotation - The rose connotes purity and pure love.

Codes:

What Are Technical Codes?

All of the below are different technical codes:

• Sound
• Music
• Camera Shots
• Editing Of Movie
• Lighting
• Mise En Scene (What Is In Scene)

What Are Written Codes?

All the below are different written codes:

• Headlines
• Captions
• Speech Bubbles
• Style

What Are Symbolic Codes? 

• Symbolic codes show what is beneath the surface of what we see, for example a characters actions show you how they feel.