Semiotics - Gabriella DiFulvio

"Every single thing has meaning and gives a different message depending on where it is located and who sees it."

This excerpt from the reading struck me as interesting when I began to think deeper about the meaning Semiotics plays in our daily lives. As a communications major I am constantly asked to examine how certain things in communication translate to certain people. A particular example that came to mind has to do with my family. My father was born in Italy and came here when he was about 20 years old. Growing up on a farm in Italy, it was obviously a big adjustment for him but since he came here at a younger age it was easier for him then say my grandmother. She has been here for over 30 years now but she still refuses to give up her traditional Italian traditions. Although she can understand English, she can only speak a few words. If we were to spend an entire day together viewing the symbols, I wonder what different messages each of us would interpret? An ad for nutella would obviously have different meaning to her then it would for me because nutella is much more popular in Europe then in America. It may bring back memories of family gatherings for her, whereas I associate it with a favorite dessert of mine that is originally from France. This example is just one of the many I can think of that relates back to the excerpt above. Every individual has different experiences and memories that they associate with an image or message they see, and semiotics explores this even further.

Daniel Speers

Semiotics is the study or the science of signs and sign systems of all kinds. It involves the creation of signs; communicating through sign; the forming of signs into codes; the social function of signs; the meaning of signs. In a way we are all students of semiotics because it applies to all areas of culture and human beings can not escape its grasp regardless of where they are in the world. The most interesting part of semiotics to me is the complexity of the message. Denotation and Connotation work together to find the literal meanings and the implied meanings that must be discovered through interpretation.

The Semiotic Method

I couldn't agree with Hobbs' quote from 1997 more.

"As we enter the twenty first century, it is essential that the schools be places that help students better understand the complex, symbol-rich culture in which they live in. A new vision of literacy is essential if educators are serious about the broad goals of education: preparing students to function as informed and effective citizens in a democratic society; preparing students to realize personal fulfillment; and preparing students to function effectively in a rapidly changing world that demands new, multiple literacies."

I feel semiotics is more important now than ever in our culture. Especially in a culture that is continuously changing at an exponential rate. We are constantly being bombarded with images and suggestions, and many times people just take them for what they are, without thinking twice. It is important to understand the connotations and denotations associated with [popular culture] words and expressions for the sake of communication.
I feel it is especially important to read into and analyze these messages because we really can't trust where they come from. In a world of media conglomerates, just about everything we see on television has a hidden message or agenda within. Even our entertainment is laced with ideas and product promotion. Everything is about selling something, whether it be an idea or a product, its usually about maximizing someone's profits. I feel it is really important though to constantly be reading between the lines, to see what an advertisement is really trying to sell you. For example, the health club that tries to sell the idea that you'll find a young, beautiful, physically fit girl at the club, rather than the idea of a healthier you.

Semiotics - Dave Cowden

One of the first things that came to mind when reading the article from Signs of Life was the usage of semiotics in the advertising world. It is briefly mentioned regarding an ad to a gym and how we as viewers perceive this. In this case, I feel that semiotics is relevant to all commercial advertisements. We may be influenced to feel and think a certain way when seeing advertisements that are of interest to us. I agree with the article that it is important to hone the skill of analyzing signs like this in every day life. We are surrounded by so many influences that learning to read into them is essential.

Take this logo, for example. Many may not notice the white arrow that exists between the "e" and the "x", pointing to the right. This may be of some subliminal use hinting that FedEx is always heading in the right direction. Learning to depict these uses of semiotics gives a deeper meaning to everyday images that surround us.

SEMIOTICS-JAKE WOOLF

I think the most important line in the text was the following: "Every single thing has meaning and gives a different message depending on where it is located and who sees it." This I feel sums up semiotics as a whole, because we take symbols that are used elsewhere or create ones that are only logical in that context. Just an obvious example, but where else would "@" be logical except when to use it in an email address? Sure now I know a lot of people who handwrite it out, but that was only after the fact that it was created in this internet driven society. Semiotics are so great because they convey messages but while still letting the interpreter be the author of the specific vernacular. For instance the christian cross has similar meaning for many people, but everyone does not express those emotions the same way. But words are only meant to convey emotions anyway, so if we can eliminate that aspect, then it sure makes things a lot faster in this accelerated digital age. But, now that I think about it, aren't letters just more complex semiotics? They are symbols that convey the meaning of words (when combined however)...just something to think about.

Semiotics--Matt Regan

The Semiotic Method is something I find extremely interesting. It definitely helps you realize the deeper meaning within advertisements and things such as political ads. I think that more people should be educated on how it works so that they too can understand even just the basics. I am glad that we were assigned these readings. Our current culture is strongly media driven and it is the media who in a way controls us. With the knowledge of the semiotic method you can teach yourself to look deeper into an ad and see if it really is what you want or if it’s the tactic and set up of the ad that makes you think you want whatever it is selling. With this I can be much smarter when it comes to decisions being driven by ads or other types of media with hidden meanings.

Semiotics-Adam Bonanni

I think semiotics is a fun and interesting way of looking at the world around us. Being an English major, most of the fun I get from exploring narratives (movies, books, video games) is looking for allusions or hidden meanings beneath the surface. I agree there cannot be one concrete meaning that fits every object that we know.
Interestingly, like the article says, the best way to understand semiotics is through examples as opposed to a definition or lecture since the defenitions are a bit vague. I also think it's a bit of a stretch when the Semiotics of New Media Literacy article moves into discussing the link between science and Semiotics. Maybe this part wasn't clear to me, how this theory relates to animals, but I understand how it works relating to New Media and literary arts