Semiotics, Representation, Connotation and Denotation

Semiotics and Representation

Semiotics and representation is one of the cornerstones in media. It is used a lot in media and in photo journalism and photography.

Any word with 'ics' or 'tics' mans the study of something for example politics.

Semiotics is the study of signs/symbols.

In media, images are put together like words, and this brings about a semiotic meaning.

Representation is to represent something or someone so when you apply this to media e.g images, it gives a personal meaning.

Semiotics is the study of sign systems, it allowes media texts to be taken apart, and deconstructed - to show meaning (as well as important aspects such as trust) are created. semiotics shows that meaning develops at the simplest levels.

Semiotics - signs act to signify meaning - meaning encoded - audience decodes it.

A sign when it becomes noticed, acts as to signify meaning i.e it acts as a signifier. The meaning which is never more then the idea is called the signified.

Meaning is no more then an idea which is a basic literal meaning - denotation - it is what the sign denotes.

Connotations means a secondary or associated meanings of signs e.g the glove is just a glove but the secondary part or connotation is that the glove represents warmth.

Connotations develop when signs and codes are placed within a particular context, one that cues or brings to mind an associated, an existing memory or idea.