Have you ever heard of the terms “signifier” and “signified”? If not, don’t worry, you’re not alone. These concepts are at the core of the study of semiotics – the science of signs and symbols. Understanding the difference between signifier and signified is essential to appreciate the way we communicate through language, images, and behaviors.
In simple terms, signifiers are the physical or sensory elements that evoke a mental representation or idea. They can be words, sounds, colors, shapes, smells, gestures, or any other phenomenon that signify meaning. For instance, the word “chair” is a signifier for the concept of a piece of furniture designed for sitting. Similarly, the color red may be a signifier for passion, danger, or love depending on the context.
On the other hand, signified is the mental image, concept, or idea that is associated with a signifier. It is the meaning that we assign to a sensory experience, based on our cultural, social, and personal background. In our previous examples, the concept of a chair or the emotions related to the color red are the signified. However, it is crucial to understand that the same signifier can evoke different signified for different people or cultures, leading to potential misunderstandings, conflicts, or cultural clashes.
Overview of Semiotics
Semiotics is a field of study that focuses on sign systems and how meaning is created and communicated through language and culture. At its core, semiotics is concerned with understanding how signs play a role in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
At the heart of semiotics are two closely related concepts: signifier and signified. These two terms were first coined by the Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure, and they provide a crucial framework for understanding how meaning is created and transmitted.
Signifier vs. Signified
- A signifier is the physical form that a sign takes. It can include sounds, words, or images, and it serves as the vehicle for conveying meaning from one person to another.
- A signified, on the other hand, is the mental concept or idea that is conveyed through the signifier. It is the meaning that the sign represents, and it is the aspect of the sign that we focus on when we interpret or understand it.
It’s important to note that the relationship between signifier and signified is not always straightforward or intuitive. In many cases, the relationship between the two is shaped by social and cultural factors. For example, the word “dog” in English is a signifier that most English speakers would associate with the image or mental concept of a four-legged animal that is often kept as a pet. However, this association is not universal across cultures or languages, as the signifier for “dog” in Mandarin Chinese is quite different.
To further illustrate the nuances of the relationship between signifier and signified, consider the example of the American flag. The physical image of the American flag serves as a signifier, but the meaning or signified behind that image can vary depending on the individual’s cultural background, political affiliation, or personal experiences.
The Role of Semiotics
Semiotics plays a crucial role in helping us understand how meaning is created and communicated in our society. By examining the relationship between signifier and signified, we can gain a deeper understanding of the way that language and culture shape our understanding of the world around us. Whether we are studying literature, advertising, or politics, an understanding of semiotics can provide valuable insights into how meaning is created and conveyed to different audiences.
| Signifier | Signified |
|---|---|
| Word “Apple” | The mental concept or idea of the fruit |
| Picture of a heart | The emotional concept of love or affection |
| A handshake | The social concept of greeting or agreement |
In summary, semiotics is a vital field of study that examines the ways in which meaning is created and conveyed through sign systems. By understanding the relationship between signifier and signified, we can gain insight into the complex ways in which language, culture, and society shape our understanding of the world around us.
Ferdinand de Saussure’s Theory of Sign
Ferdinand de Saussure, a Swiss linguist, made significant contributions to the field of linguistics with his theory of sign. He proposed that language is a system of signs, which is composed of two parts – signifier and signified.
- The signifier is the physical form or the sound of a word that we can hear or see.
- The signified is the concept or the meaning associated with the signifier.
Saussure emphasized that the relationship between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary, meaning that there is no inherent connection between the two. He argued that the meaning of a sign is not determined by the object that it represents but is instead determined by the system of language. This means that the same object can be referred to by different words in different languages or even in the same language.
Saussure’s theory of sign has been highly influential, not just in the field of linguistics but also in other fields such as semiotics, anthropology, and literary theory. His insights have been instrumental in helping us understand how meaning is created and transmitted through language, and how this meaning is shaped by the social, cultural, and historical context in which it is used.
Key concepts in Saussure’s Theory of Sign
- Arbitrariness – The relationship between signifier and signified is arbitrary.
- Synchrony – Saussure argued that language is a synchronic system, meaning that it is viewed at a single point in time, rather than over a period of time.
- Difference – According to Saussure, the meaning of a sign is created by its difference from other signs within the system.
Saussure’s Model of the Sign
Saussure’s model of the sign is represented by a two-part structure that consists of the signifier and the signified. The relationship between these two parts creates meaning.
| Signifier | Signified |
| The physical form of a word | The concept or meaning attached to the word |
The signifier and the signified are not separate entities, but rather they are inseparable parts of the sign. One can never have a signifier without a signified, and vice versa.
Difference between Signifier and Signified
Before diving into the intricacies of the difference between signifier and signified, it’s important to first understand what these terms actually mean. In simple terms, a signifier can be defined as a physical form of representation, whereas signified refers to the concept or idea that is associated with that physical form. Essentially, signifier is the “thing” that represents something else, while signified is the meaning behind that “thing”.
Now, let’s take a deeper look at the difference between signifier and signified.
Key Points of Difference:
- Signifiers are physical or tangible representations of something, such as a word, image, symbol, or sound, while signifieds are the meanings that are conveyed by these physical forms.
- Signifiers and signifieds are intrinsically linked, as the signifier is used to represent the signified concept or idea.
- Signifiers and signifieds are not fixed or universal, but are rather subject to interpretation and can vary across different cultures and contexts.
Interpretation of Signifiers and Signifieds:
One of the most important things to understand about the difference between signifiers and signifieds is that they are subject to interpretation. This means that what one person may interpret a signifier to mean could be very different from how another person interprets it. For example, the simple word “Apple” can be understood as a fruit, a technology company, or even a symbol of temptation, depending on the context in which it is being used.
Another important point to note is that signifiers and signifieds can vary greatly across different cultural contexts. For instance, certain symbols or gestures that may hold significant meaning in one culture may hold no meaning or even have negative connotations in another culture. This is why it’s critical to understand the nuances of cultural context when interpreting signs and symbols.
Examples of Signifiers and Signifieds:
Let’s take a look at some examples of signifiers and signifieds:
| Signifier | Signified |
| Red octagon | Stop sign |
| Silhouette of a woman in a dress | Women’s restroom |
| White dove holding an olive branch | Peace |
In each of these examples, the signifier is a physical form or representation that is used to convey a certain idea or concept. However, it’s important to note that the signified is not intrinsic to the signifier, but rather is a result of cultural and contextual interpretation.
Understanding the difference between signifier and signified is critical to understanding the complex world of signs and symbols that we encounter daily. By understanding the intricacies of these terms, we can gain a deeper understanding of how meaning is conveyed through language, images, and symbols.
Examples of Signifier and Signified
Signifier and signified are two key concepts in the study of semiotics and language. Signifier refers to the physical form of a sign, which could be a word, image, sound, or gesture. The signified, on the other hand, is the meaning or concept that is associated with the signifier.
For example, the word “chair” is the signifier, while the object that we imagine when we hear the word is the signified. The word “chair” could refer to any kind of chair, from a wooden dining chair to an office swivel chair.
Let’s explore some more examples of signifier and signified:
- The red octagon shape with the word “STOP” printed on it is the signifier for the concept of stopping while driving.
- The golden arches of McDonald’s are the signifier for the fast-food restaurant and its brand.
- A heart symbol ♥ is the signifier for love and affection.
Signifier and signified can also vary between different cultures and contexts. For example, the color white might symbolize purity and innocence in Western cultures but represent mourning in some Eastern cultures.
Here is a table of some common examples of signifier and signified:
| Signifier | Signified |
|---|---|
| Flag | National identity |
| Smoke | Fire |
| Ring | Marriage or commitment |
| Traffic light | Driving rules |
Understanding the relationship between signifier and signified is crucial for effective communication and interpreting meaning. The same signifier can have different signifieds in different situations, so it’s important to consider the context and cultural factors when analyzing signs.
Semiotic Analysis in Advertising
Semiotic analysis examines the symbols, signs, and codes embedded in advertising messages to reveal their underlying meanings and associations. It aims to decipher the psychological impact of these messages on the audience, exploring how the symbols used create an emotional connection with the viewer, and how these interpretations can vary based on cultural, social, and individual factors.
- Semiotics helps us understand the connection between signifier and signified in advertising messages. In simplest terms, the signifier is the physical object, image, or word used in the message, and the signified is the meaning or concept the signifier is meant to represent. For example, in a Coca-Cola commercial, the signifier is the Coke bottle, while the signified could be refreshment, happiness, or shared moments.
- Semiotic analysis can reveal the ideological and cultural influences behind advertising messages. By examining the use of gender stereotypes, racial and ethnic representations, and other social codes, we can understand the underlying values and assumptions that shape those messages and their impact on the audience. For example, a perfume ad may use romantic imagery and subtle innuendos to appeal to social norms around femininity and sexuality.
- Semiotics sheds light on how advertising constructs and reinforces certain consumer identities. It shows how advertisers seek to create a sense of cultural belonging and psychological ownership among their target audience, by appealing to their underlying desires, aspirations, and fears. For example, a luxury watch ad may use the imagery of success and power to appeal to wealthy consumers looking to assert their status and prestige.
Overall, semiotics allows us to go beyond the surface-level messages of advertising and examine the deeper meanings and impacts of those messages on both individuals and society at large.
Semiotic Analysis in Advertising: Example
Let’s take a look at a classic example of semiotic analysis in advertising, which dissects a print ad for a perfume brand. Here is the ad:
 |
The ad shows a strikingly beautiful woman wearing a blue gown and lying on a beach. Her face is partially obscured by her hair, and her eyes are closed, suggesting a feeling of bliss or ecstasy. The tagline reads “Escape to paradise with our new fragrance.” |
Now, let’s apply some of the principles of semiotic analysis to break down this ad:
- Signifier: Woman in blue gown, lying on a beach, with eyes closed and hair covering her face.
- Signified: Sensuality, escape, relaxation, freedom.
- The color blue: Conveys both a sense of calmness and the association with the sea and sky, suggesting a connection to nature and escape.
- The tagline: “Escape to paradise” reinforces the idea of escape, while the use of the word “paradise” creates a sense of exoticism and luxuriousness.
Overall, this ad uses semiotics to create an image of a sensual, free-spirited woman escaping to a tropical paradise, and suggests that by wearing the perfume being advertised, the viewer can have a similar experience. It taps into the viewer’s subconscious desires for escape, relaxation, and beauty, and connects those desires with the product being sold.
Post-Structuralism and Deconstruction of Language
Post-Structuralism is a theory that emerged in the 1960s in France, challenging the structuralism theory that dominated the intellectual landscape of the time. Post-structuralism questions the notion of language as a stable, transparent and objective means of communication. According to this theory, language is not a fixed system, but a complex and ever-changing one, in which meaning is constructed through the relationship between signifiers and signifieds.
In this context, understanding the difference between signifier and signified is crucial. The signifier is the physical or sensory form of the word, sound, image or symbol that we use to express concepts and ideas. On the other hand, the signified refers to the concept or idea that the signifier represents. The relationship between signifier and signified is arbitrary, which means that there is no natural or necessary connection between them.
- Post-Structuralists argue that language is not a fixed and universal system, but rather a complex and shifting one that reflects the power struggles and social context of its users.
- Deconstruction is a method used by post-structuralists to analyze the relationship between signifiers and signifieds, by exposing the contradictions, ambiguities and hidden assumptions that underlie them.
- Deconstruction aims to challenge the dominant narratives and ideologies that shape our understanding of the world, by revealing the instability of language and the multiple meanings that can be attributed to a text or discourse.
Deconstruction involves a close reading of the text, which seeks to uncover its internal contradictions and subtexts. By examining the way in which language is used, deconstruction exposes the hidden assumptions and contradictions that underlie its meaning. This method challenges the idea of language as a transparent and objective means of communication, and instead, highlights the role of power structures and social context in shaping language.
| Post-Structuralism | Deconstruction |
|---|---|
| Challenges the idea of language as a universal and objective system | Unveils the hidden assumptions and contradictions in language |
| Emphasizes the role of power and social context in shaping language | Seeks to challenge the dominant narratives and ideologies through examination of language |
| Views language as a complex and ever-changing system | Questions the transparency and objectivity of language |
In conclusion, Post-Structuralism and Deconstruction of Language challenge the notion of language as a fixed and objective system, and instead, emphasize the role of power structures and social context in shaping language. By analyzing the relationship between signifiers and signifieds, Post-Structuralism and Deconstruction seek to unveil the hidden assumptions, contradictions and multiple meanings that underlie language, and to challenge the dominant narratives and ideologies that shape our understanding of the world.
Cultural Differences in Interpretation of Signifiers
When it comes to the interpretation of signifiers, different cultures can have vastly different meanings for the same signifier. Here are some examples:
- In Western cultures, the number 7 is often associated with luck or perfection. It is often used in marketing and advertising to emphasize the quality of a product or service. On the other hand, in many Asian cultures, the number 7 is considered unlucky because it is similar to the word for “death” in many Asian languages.
- The color red is often associated with love or passion in Western cultures, while in some Asian cultures it is associated with luck and prosperity.
- In some African cultures, certain hand gestures or body language can have different meanings than they would in Western cultures. For example, pointing with your index finger can be considered rude or aggressive in some African cultures.
It’s important to keep these cultural differences in mind when creating marketing or advertising content for a global audience. What may be well received in one culture could be offensive or misunderstood in another.
Here is an example of how the meaning of signifiers can vary across cultures:
| Signifier | Western Interpretation | Asian Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Number 7 | Luck/Perfection | Unlucky (similar to “death”) |
| Color Red | Love/Passion | Luck/Prosperity |
| Thumbs Up | Positive/Good job | Offensive/Disrespectful (similar to “up yours”) |
Understanding these cultural differences can go a long way in creating effective communication and avoiding any misunderstandings or offense.
FAQs: What is the difference between signifier and signified?
Q1: What is the signifier in NLP?
The signifier is a term used in NLP that refers to a sound, a word, a gesture, or a visual image that represents a specific idea, object, or concept.
Q2: What is the signified in NLP?
The signified is a term used in NLP that refers to the idea, object, or concept represented by a signifier. It corresponds to the mental image or meaning associated with a specific sound, word, gesture, or visual image.
Q3: How are signifier and signified related in NLP?
In NLP, the relationship between signifier and signified is based on the principle that every signifier has a signified, and every signified has a signifier. Hence, a specific word, sound, image, or gesture can evoke a particular idea, object, or concept in our mind.
Q4: What is the difference between signifier and signified in NLP?
The main difference between signifier and signified in NLP is that the signifier is the physical form or representation of an idea, object, or concept, whereas the signified is the mental image or meaning associated with that form or representation.
Q5: Why is it important to understand the difference between signifier and signified in NLP?
Understanding the difference between signifier and signified in NLP is essential for effective communication and personal development. By recognizing how different signifiers can evoke different signifieds in people’s minds, we can better understand their perspectives and relate to them more effectively.
What is the difference between signifier and signified?
In summary, the signifier is a physical form or representation of an idea, object, or concept, while the signified is the mental image or meaning associated with that form or representation. In NLP, these two terms are essential for effective communication and personal development. Understanding how different signifiers can evoke different signifieds can help us relate to others and communicate more effectively. Thanks for reading, and visit us again later. Have a great day!