Semiotics

Semiotics is the theory of signification, that is, of the generation or production of meaning. In contrast to semiology, which studies sign systems and their organization (e.g. traffic codes, sign language), semiotics concerns itself with how meaning is produced. In other words, what interests the semiotician is what makes an utterance meaningful, how it signifies and what precedes it on a deeper level to result in the manifestation of meaning.

 Semiotic theory is based on the belief that meaning is not inherent in objects, that they do not signify by themselves, but that meaning is constructed by a competent observer - a subject - capable of giving 'form' to objects. To give an example: confronted with an implement from a different culture, say African or Asian, we would probably be incapable of immediately grasping its significance. However, left alone with it, we will give it a meaning that is based on what knowledge we have and what will suit our purposes. The semiotician thus sees the whole of our signifying universe - including statements about it - as the product of a presupposed semiotic competence, the only one able to construct its signification.

 The semiotic working method derives from the assumption that the structures underlying - and resulting in - the production of meaning are susceptible to hypothetical representation in the shape of models. The justness of particular models is confirmed or invalidated through testing them against the semiotic object - such as a text - to which they are meant to be applicable. Semiotic analysis by students of literature makes use of such models to decode effects of meaning perceptible on the surface of a text.

See also semiology.

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