Friday, January 30, 2009
In the course of mentioning semiotic change, two key principles of semiotic innovation came up,
- Metaphors
- Connotation
The nature of these two concepts contributes to the innovation of semiotic resources and thus allowing new ways of using semiotic resources to be developed. Let us lnow take a ook at how they function...
Metaphors:
The idea of metaphors is that a word is transferred from one meaning to another on the basis of a partial similarity between the two meanings. The figure below shows how we can transfer the word, 'teacher' into another domain, 'gardener'.
Here's a comic strip that makes use of metaphors for your enjoyment =)
Lastly, metaphors allow us to make use of the direct, concrete experiences (experiential basis) that we are familiar with to comprehend other more abstract ideas, values or practices. In the process, new aspects will be highlighted while others will be obscured. Just like in the comic, the physical aspects of the boy on the left was highlighted (Eg. looks like a clown) while the characteristic of the boy on the right was highlighted. (Eg. very evil)
Connotation:
Connotation is usually associated with the concept of denotation. The latter refers to simply the 'dictionary' meaning of words that is shared by speakers of a particular language. The former is a subjective and variable meaning that people associate with a particular word.
The subjectivity of the connotations may vary across cultures, languages, countries etc. However sometimes, connotations can be embodied in our everyday reality that people recognises them as the reality. A very good example of such connotation of words is shown in the movie, "Malcolm X", where the definitions of the words 'black' and 'white' are largely based on the ideas and values of the dominant group (the Whites).
The idea of metaphors is that a word is transferred from one meaning to another on the basis of a partial similarity between the two meanings. The figure below shows how we can transfer the word, 'teacher' into another domain, 'gardener'.
Here's a comic strip that makes use of metaphors for your enjoyment =)
Lastly, metaphors allow us to make use of the direct, concrete experiences (experiential basis) that we are familiar with to comprehend other more abstract ideas, values or practices. In the process, new aspects will be highlighted while others will be obscured. Just like in the comic, the physical aspects of the boy on the left was highlighted (Eg. looks like a clown) while the characteristic of the boy on the right was highlighted. (Eg. very evil)
Connotation:
Connotation is usually associated with the concept of denotation. The latter refers to simply the 'dictionary' meaning of words that is shared by speakers of a particular language. The former is a subjective and variable meaning that people associate with a particular word.
The subjectivity of the connotations may vary across cultures, languages, countries etc. However sometimes, connotations can be embodied in our everyday reality that people recognises them as the reality. A very good example of such connotation of words is shown in the movie, "Malcolm X", where the definitions of the words 'black' and 'white' are largely based on the ideas and values of the dominant group (the Whites).
Negative connotations lurk in our everyday lives and even in our favourite Disney movies as can be seen from this website where they pointed out the 9 most racist Disney characters. These characters are a reflection of the common (negative) connotations that people have of the various groups. Therefore, it is necessary for us to critically understand and interpret what is communicated to us from the text and images that we interact with.
To end off, here's another comic strip about semiotics to brighten up your day!
To end off, here's another comic strip about semiotics to brighten up your day!
7:29 AM
Jess Chen...
