The study of semiotics




The study of semiotics




Shortest definition of semiotics: The study of signs



Saussure offered different versions of what a sign is composed of. These are the ‘signifier’ and the ‘signified’. The signifier is the form which the sign takes and the signified is the concept it represents. The relationship between these two is called signification. Therefore, the signified doesn’t have a correct answer but comes down to individual interpretation. Saussure found both the signifier and signified psychological and therefore a matter of opinion. This concept doesn’t just apply to words but sounds, pictures, art etc. In the end, the word ‘sign’ is abstract in itself and can be defined in many ways. He also thought that no sign makes sense on its own but only in relation to other signs.

 









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