To my understanding, semiotics is the study of signs and symbols. Chandler (March 4, 2005) stated that, “The Shortest definition is that it is the study of signs.” This theory is to understand the meaning of analyzed pieces information on a subject. There are three basics things to analyze subject which are identifying sign, denoting what is perceived and connoting the coded. In this journal, I will be using the above picture of a car in applying the semiotic theory.
According to Barth, sign is the combination of its signifier what is perceive through senses and signified the meaning we associate with the sign (Griffin, 2011, P. 333) . The signifier is the car. The Signified is a Toyota Corolla Altis car. The color of the car is Silver. The body of the car shows pleasant to the eyes with its sport body-kit. It has four Tyre and shiny window screen. It is made from Japan and it is designed as a transportation. By looking at this picture, Toyota Corolla Altis is a standard, high quality, popular car brand around the world.
The color and the design of the car means that the car is best, attractive and long lasting. This also attract the viewer and convince them to choose right selection in having a good quality car. In my opinion, semiotics not only focus on studying the sign of an image but also focuses on how to communicate with other people non-verbally.
“From a certain point of view, semiotics appears to be a paradoxical discipline, meaning we find it all around us and, yet, nowhere specifically.” (Porcar. C, 2011). The study of sign is everywhere. In the picture above, apart from the design and color of the car, the trademark also has its own meaning. “Step Ahead with Styles” trademark of this picture means that the car is standard, high quality, elegant and better performance.
In conclusion, taking up three theories from Chandler, Barth and Porcar. C, Semiotics is the study of sign whereby sign is the combination of the signifier perceived through senses and that, semiotic appears to be paradoxical discipline; thus human being find it all around them yet, nowhere specific. Having Toyota Corolla Altis as my sample, I have concluded that, the car has its own semiotic sign presented non-verbally through its features which includes the colour and the design itself.
References:
Chandler, D (March 4, 2005) Semiotics for Beginner. Retrieved April 9, 2012, from http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/S4B/sem01.html
Griffin, Emory A (March 7, 2011) Semiotics Theory of Roland Barthes: A First Look at COMMUNICATION THEORY (8th ed.), New York, America: MCGRAW-HILL.
Porcar, G. (2011). SIGN AND MEANING: A SEMIOTIC APPROACH TO COMMUNICATION. Journal for Communication and Culture 1 (2011): 20-29. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.ubd.edu.bn/
