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Semiotic Analysis

Semiotic Analysis. Making Meaning. Language (texts) a system of signs Meaning not obvious, must be elicited Signs are arbitrary “alphabet of deaf-mutes” Relationships between signs & components of signs is key. Sound-Image signifier. Concept signified. Signs.

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Semiotic Analysis

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  1. Semiotic Analysis

  2. Making Meaning • Language (texts) a system of signs • Meaning not obvious, must be elicited • Signs are arbitrary • “alphabet of deaf-mutes” • Relationships between signs & components of signs is key

  3. Sound-Image signifier Concept signified Signs Relationship is arbitrary, unmotivated, unnatural

  4. Symbols Signifier Signified Schoolhouse Education Education

  5. Signs & Symbols • Relationship between sign & symbol NOT wholly arbitrary • Meanings of signs must be learned • Structured associations • Codes

  6. Codes • Intelligible – signifiers and signified agree

  7. Messages & Meaning • Everything sends a message • Clothing • Food • Gestures • Rituals • Texts of all kinds

  8. Connotation Figurative Signified Inferred Suggests meaning Realm of myth Denotation Literal Signifier Obvious Describes Realm of existence Matching Meaning

  9. Denotation • Literal • Signifier • Obvious • Describes • Realm of existence Connotation • Figurative • Signified • Inferred • Suggests meaning • Realm of myth

  10. Denotation • Literal • Signifier • Obvious • Describes • Realm of existence Connotation • Figurative • Signified • Inferred • Suggests meaning • Realm of myth

  11. Semiotics • How meaning is created & conveyed • Signs – combinations of signified & signifier • Relationships between signs key • Language is social institution • All is “text”

  12. Intertextuality • Conscious or unconscious • Parody • Style • Genre • Quote • Homage

  13. Intertextuality • Metaphor • Like or as • Metonomy • Implied • Association with known image • Uncle Sam • Cowboy hat • Red rose

  14. Codes • Based in socialization • Can vary from transmitter to receiver of texts • Cultural captial • Toolset for understanding codes • Some meanings easier to understand, “taken for granted”

  15. Codes • Audiences negotiate meaning • Intended meaning • Negotiated meaning • Oppositional meaning • OJ • LA Riots • Cathy Freeman

  16. Intertextuality & codes • Appropriation • Homage • Signs/signified • Cultural capital • Social world

  17. Codes • All-pervasive • Specific • Clear cut • Personality, social roles, institutions, ideology • Genre, formula • Rituals, expectations

  18. Decoding “Pulp Fiction” • Looking for oppositions • Character • Time period/cohesion • Mood • Power • Sexuality

  19. Decoding “Pulp Fiction” • What does the surveillance suggest? • Why do both characters use drugs? • What function does the car/booth serve? • What is implied by hand-rolled cigarettes? • What is the purpose of the dance?

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