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<\/a> by <\/a> by Ivan Chew<\/a> is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Singapore License<\/a>.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_285\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]![\"by](\"http:\/\/mediatexthack.files.wordpress.com\/2013\/12\/1200px-rubber_tree_leaves1.jpg\")
<\/a> by Axel Boldt wiki commons<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_282\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"300\"]![\"The](\"http:\/\/mediatexthack.files.wordpress.com\/2013\/12\/the-word-trees.jpg\")
<\/a> Source: Library of Congress US[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThese signs all \u2018stand in\u2019 for the idea of a tree. \u00a0But they do so in different ways. \u00a0We generally categorize signs into three types:\r\nLet\u2019s start with a really simple example.\u00a0 Take a look at these three things:<\/p>\n These signs all \u2018stand in\u2019 for the idea of a tree. \u00a0But they do so in different ways. \u00a0We generally categorize signs into three types:<\/p>\n In each case, the sign can be broken into two parts, the signifier<\/em> and the signified<\/em>. \u00a0The signifier is the thing, item, or code that we \u2018read\u2019 \u2013 so, a drawing, a word, a photo. \u00a0Each signifier has a signified, the idea or meaning being expressed by that signifier. \u00a0Only together do they form a sign. \u00a0There is often no intrinsic or direct relationship between a signifier and a signified \u2013 no signifier-signified system is \u2018better\u2019 than another. \u00a0Language is flexible, constructed, and changeable. \u00a0de Saussure uses the word \u2018arbitrariness\u2019 to describe this relationship.<\/p>\n A good example is the word \u2018cool.\u2019 \u00a0\u00a0If we take the spoken word \u2018cool\u2019 as a signifier, what might be the signified? \u00a0In one context or situation, cool might refer to temperature. \u00a0But in another, it might refer to something as \u2018stylish\u2019 or \u2018popular\u2019. \u00a0The relationship between signifier and signified can change over time and in different contexts.<\/p>\n This is important, because signs are understood and encoded in context. \u00a0As with the words \u2018\u2019cool,\u2019 the relationship between signifier and signified is made meaningful in context.\u00a0 This area starts by looking at signs in isolation, but as you become more confident with semiotics, you will start to look at signs as part of a sign system<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a>\n
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