Chapter 5: Semiotics
Semioticians refer to elements that convey a meaning as signs. Signs are not confined to language or
imagery; in principle, there are signs in everything around us.
Is everything a sign? No, but in principle, everything can be. A condition is that it has to be perceivable
and it has to represent something that is not present, such as an object that is referred to.
Codes and conventions
The code: read the letters, speak the language, be familiar with the conventions.
Context and pointers
The environment or the context of the sign points us in the direction we need to look for the meaning.
Combinations with other signs
Signs often acquire their most significant meaning in conjunction with other signs, and through their
relations. Semiotics assumes that meanings largely come about as a result of contrasts. The concept
of ‘rich’ only has meaning because we know the concept of ‘poor’.
Interpretation
Besides being identifiable and standing from something else, a sign also prompts the viewer to
interpret. The sign not only refers to the object but also makes a statement about it. This statement is
what we call ‘the interpretation’.
Three types of signs, according to Peirce
Peirce distinguishes three types of relations between a sign and what the sign refers to these are an
iconic, an indexical, and a symbolic relation.
Iconic signs
A sign is iconic if it demonstrates similarity with something else. Prime examples of iconic signs are
statues, photos, and film: what you see strongly resembles what is being portrayed. Iconic signs can
be said to be broad and easily accessible.
Indexical signs
With indexical signs, signs and objects are less closely related. We refer to a sign as indexical if it
demonstrates a strong similarity to the object it represents, without resembling it. Examples include a
cause-and-effect relation, a character relationship, or a part-whole relationship. The object to which an
indexical sign refers is always specifically determined: a concrete place- and time-related object,
person, or event, something from empiric reality. If you see smoke you think of fire.
Symbolic signs
The connection between object and sign is even looser when the relationship is based on conventions,
rules, or customs. A symbolic relation between sign and object isn’t something that can be discovered
spontaneously. To understand the meaning of these signs you first need to have some knowledge of
the many cultural codes in society.
Semioticians refer to elements that convey a meaning as signs. Signs are not confined to language or
imagery; in principle, there are signs in everything around us.
Is everything a sign? No, but in principle, everything can be. A condition is that it has to be perceivable
and it has to represent something that is not present, such as an object that is referred to.
Codes and conventions
The code: read the letters, speak the language, be familiar with the conventions.
Context and pointers
The environment or the context of the sign points us in the direction we need to look for the meaning.
Combinations with other signs
Signs often acquire their most significant meaning in conjunction with other signs, and through their
relations. Semiotics assumes that meanings largely come about as a result of contrasts. The concept
of ‘rich’ only has meaning because we know the concept of ‘poor’.
Interpretation
Besides being identifiable and standing from something else, a sign also prompts the viewer to
interpret. The sign not only refers to the object but also makes a statement about it. This statement is
what we call ‘the interpretation’.
Three types of signs, according to Peirce
Peirce distinguishes three types of relations between a sign and what the sign refers to these are an
iconic, an indexical, and a symbolic relation.
Iconic signs
A sign is iconic if it demonstrates similarity with something else. Prime examples of iconic signs are
statues, photos, and film: what you see strongly resembles what is being portrayed. Iconic signs can
be said to be broad and easily accessible.
Indexical signs
With indexical signs, signs and objects are less closely related. We refer to a sign as indexical if it
demonstrates a strong similarity to the object it represents, without resembling it. Examples include a
cause-and-effect relation, a character relationship, or a part-whole relationship. The object to which an
indexical sign refers is always specifically determined: a concrete place- and time-related object,
person, or event, something from empiric reality. If you see smoke you think of fire.
Symbolic signs
The connection between object and sign is even looser when the relationship is based on conventions,
rules, or customs. A symbolic relation between sign and object isn’t something that can be discovered
spontaneously. To understand the meaning of these signs you first need to have some knowledge of
the many cultural codes in society.
