Friday, February 06, 2009
Before our lesson on Van Leeuwen's article, my understanding of the concepts was like the picture below,
UNORGANISED
NO LINKAGE
UNCLEAR
However, after a very fruitful discussion with my group members and the rest of the class, I managed to piece together the concepts and construct a clearer understanding of them. I really benefited from the session as knowledge is constructed, not spoon-fed. The following picture represents my understanding now...
ORGANISED
LINKED
LOGICAL...
On top of that, I was impressed by Huiling's group, who came up with a system to illustrate how the concepts work together in social semiotics. It was very clear and straight to the point, just the way I like it =)
From the activity that we had in class, it was clear that different groups had quite a number of differences in the way we interpreted what the concepts meant and the way they connect to each other. This is rather similar to our diverse interpretations of the lily photo. Our interpretations of the meaning potential of the lily turned out to be rather dissimilar because of the differences in life experiences, prior knowledge and culture etc.
On the other hand, the idea of interconnectedness allows us to share certain similar life experiences, which explains the reason why there exists some meaning potentials that seem to be raised by most of us. For example, the idea that the colour white connotes 'innocence', 'purity' etc.
Lastly, this has been an eye-opener for me as I am exposed to the various new ways of thinking that I may not have arrive at on my own.
UNORGANISED
NO LINKAGE
UNCLEAR
However, after a very fruitful discussion with my group members and the rest of the class, I managed to piece together the concepts and construct a clearer understanding of them. I really benefited from the session as knowledge is constructed, not spoon-fed. The following picture represents my understanding now...
ORGANISED
LINKED
LOGICAL...
On top of that, I was impressed by Huiling's group, who came up with a system to illustrate how the concepts work together in social semiotics. It was very clear and straight to the point, just the way I like it =)
From the activity that we had in class, it was clear that different groups had quite a number of differences in the way we interpreted what the concepts meant and the way they connect to each other. This is rather similar to our diverse interpretations of the lily photo. Our interpretations of the meaning potential of the lily turned out to be rather dissimilar because of the differences in life experiences, prior knowledge and culture etc.
On the other hand, the idea of interconnectedness allows us to share certain similar life experiences, which explains the reason why there exists some meaning potentials that seem to be raised by most of us. For example, the idea that the colour white connotes 'innocence', 'purity' etc.
Lastly, this has been an eye-opener for me as I am exposed to the various new ways of thinking that I may not have arrive at on my own.
Labels: Theo van Leeuwen's Social Semiotics
12:17 AM
Jess Chen...
