Laura LeeSEMIOTICSTHE STUDY OF SIGNS AND SYMBOLS AND THEIR USE OR

INTERPRETATION.

Denotation = Common sense meaning of a sign. It is exactly what is shown in the image.

Connotation = Is the extra, linked meaning that goes with any sign. Connotations are to do with personal

feelings meaning that they are diff erent for all people. The media often tries to make the meaning the same for everyone in order to make it easier for

them to sell products.

DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION.

Indexical sign = A sign where there is a direct link between the sign and what it represents. E.g a photo of smoke could represent fi re as could the smell. Sounds are common forms of indexical signs: the sound of glasses chinking together, people chatting and laughing with music in the background would make us think of a party or gathering.

Iconic sign = A sign that is identical to what it represents, E.g photograph, fi lm, drawing or painting.

Symbolic sign = A sign that has no natural link to what it represents, meaning is created by culture. All written words and most logos.

INDEXICAL, ICONIC AND SYMBOLIC SIGNS

The Representamen: the form which the s ign takes (not necessar i ly mater ia l ) ; An Interpretent: not an interpreter but rather the sense made of the s ign; An Object : to which the s ign refers .

DANIEL CHANDLER

Sign (d.o.g)

Object (a dog)

Interpretent (the breed of dog thought of

Daniel Chandler said that although a sign can directly resemble an object it may be interpreted differently by each individual. The example shown on the diagram to the left suggests that although everyone can clearly relate the word dog to the animal each individual is likely to have a specific dog that they will relate to it that has meant something to them at some point in their life.