Semiotics Notes

Roland Bathes applied Semiotic theory to the study of images. Prior to this Semiotics were only considered for written communication. Actually Semiotics  apply to all forms of communication.

Definition: 

Sign = Signifier + Signified

Signifier:   includes the codes presented by the creator to show their intent. (the intent)

Signified: includes the interpretation of those codes by the recipient. (the perception)

Sign: is the outcome of both (the effect)

The Signifier may use denotation and connotation to describe it’s meaning. These elements of the communication process can be broken down into codes as follows

Symbolic Codes

Within imagery symbolic codes are very easy to read. An image of an apple symbolises an apple. Whatever symbol is presented our brain accepts it as the item intended. This is very useful as otherwise we would not be able to understand the moving images on our television. What we look at are millions of moving specs of light but what our brain recognises feels so realistic that the barrier between imagery and real life is broken down.

Symbolic Denotation = “This is an apple”

Symbolic connotation = “It is a juicy apple / tasty apple”

Semantic Codes

Semantic codes describe the generally accepted hidden meaning in the communication. For example a red traffic light is recognised to mean stop, smoke issuing from a building might indicate the it is on fire. These are learned meanings which we acquire throughout our lives. The most significant of these codes is how we learn to read the expressions on another human face. These codes are subtle and complex and take time to learn, hence children are poor at reading adult emotions. Individuals with Autistic brains may also be unable to read the semantic codes in faces or verbal communication amongst other forms of communication.

Proairetic (action codes)

These “action” codes describe the presumption of follow on actions to those displayed in the image. For example, an image of a bowler running on a cricket pitch with a ball in his hand or a man drawing a gun or person wildly off balance all imply a follow on action or conclusion to the action.

Hermeneutic Codes (or Enigma Codes)

This is nothing to do with WW2 decoding machines. These codes describe a sense of mystery in the communication.  An examples of Hermeneutic coding might include obscuring part of a image in dark shadow. i.e. a dubious looking man standing under the light of a street lamp so that only part of his body/face can be seen.

 Cultural or Referential Codes.

These codes refer to signs that require the recipient to have a particular point of reference such as age, gender, ethnicity, religion, being a member of a group or industry. These reference points mean that the recipient can/will perceive and interpret a sign that otherwise may be misread or not understood at all. Industry specific abbreviations and codes are an example where in a hospital a CAT scan has nothing to do with a small domesticated feline.