Semiotics Research

SEMIOTICS • The philosophical theory of signs

and symbols and their role in social life.

• From the Greek ‘sēmeiōtikos’ meaning "observant of signs“

Saussure's Theory • Ferdinand de Saussure was a swiss linguist

who was one of the first to produce a semiotic theory during the early 1900s. His theory claimed a sign is made up of two parts- The SIGNIFIER and the SIGNIFIED

SIGNIFIER- Any motion, gesture, image, sound, pattern or event that conveys meaning and communicates. (a word, colour, image etc.)SIGNIFIED- The concept, meaning or association that the sign refers to. For example- The colour BLUE (SIGNIFIER) is often associated with SADNESS (SIGNIFIED)

Peirce Theory

• Charles Sandres Peirce was an American philosopher that also formulated a semiotic theory in the early 1900s. Peirce stated semiotics to be the relationship between a SYMBOL, ICON and INDEX.

SYMBOLSSignifier does not resemble the signified- is purely conventional

INDEXSignifier is directly connected in some way to the signified

ICONS Signs where the signifier resembles the signified

Denotation and Connotation Denotation and Connotations links strongly to both theories. Denotation- The literal or primary meaning of a word Connotation- The feelings, ideas and cultural meanings which are associated with the word- not the literal meaning. Example-ROSEDenotation Connotation

Flower Love

Red Passion

Thorns Hurt

How can I use Semiotics in my work?Semiotics can benefit my magazine design through the use of colour relation. Certain colours have specific connotations therefore the audience associate specific colours with specific ideologies. Common colours used in rock magazine include red, black and yellow. Red has connotations of danger and power which links to the rock and roll lifestyle which is associated with rock music. Black has connotations of fear and mystery which, again links to the reckless lifestyle rock stars lead. It also links to the gothic image associated with rock music and how the gothic style consists of black clothing. Yellow has mixed connotations as it connotes warning and caution which could link to the rock and roll lifestyle. However, it is also a very bright, eye-catching colour with positive connotations which draws the reader in.