The Definition of Semiotics

Hello there, my name is Ben! I am the definition of a "geek". I love computers, using their power to unleash my creative potential, and exploring all that video games have to offer. That's not the only thing I will be defining today however. Today I will be telling you about "semiotics" and the differences between each type. 

What does this actually mean? Semiotics are referred to as the study of various signs and symbols; and how they are used in various aspects of our lives.  There are two men who are credited with the founding of this field of study, that being Ferdinand de Saussure and Charles Sanders Pierce. Saussure believed that a sign entails two parts; a "signifier", meaning what is directly shown, and the "signified", meaning what is meant to be interpreted from what is shown. Pierce however believed that there are three types of signs, those being the "icon", "index" and "symbol".

Icon:

An "icon" has physical characteristics which resemble what the sign is trying to represent. For instance, if someone was driving down a road and saw this sign, they would know that the road is "slippery when wet" and is hazardous to drive on in those specific conditions.

Index:

An "index" displays characteristics that have to do with the object. If someone were to look at this picture, they would associate whatever it is printed on to cause environmental damage if they were to release it into a natural setting.

Symbol:

A "symbol" has no characteristics that physically resemble any object and must be learned through language and the world around the person in question. Good examples of this type of sign include letters and numbers. 

For a slightly more in depth rundown on semiotics, I suggest taking a look at this short video by Media/Pool.

Thank you very much for reading. I hope you enjoyed and I will see you again in the future!

Bibliography:

Bradley, S. (2016, March 17). Icon, index, and symbol - three categories of signs. Vanseo Design. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://vanseodesign.com/web-design/icon-index-symbol/

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Semiotics. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.britannica.com/science/semiotics

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Semiotics definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semiotics

YouTube. (2018). YouTube. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVM7e_iyh3Y&t=128s.

Red letter a icon - Free red letter icons. (n.d.). iconsDB. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.iconsdb.com/red-icons/letter-a-icon.html.

Slippery When Wet Warning Signs 24"x24". (n.d.). USA Traffic Signs. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.usa-traffic-signs.com/Slippery_p/w8-5_s.htm.

Hazardous materials label: environmental hazard, pack of 10 | Kaiser+Kraft. (n.d.). KAISER+KRAFT. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.export.kaiserkraft.com/labelling/hazardous-goods-labels/hazardous-materials-label/environmental-hazard-pack-of-10/p/M2833881/.