When discussing the definition and meaning of "Semiotics", you cannot help but be severely confused. Understanding "semiotics" is important for not only receiving a good grade in my Communications class, but for also being aware that it has been here since the foundation of language, or specifically communication in the social world.
Semiotics are signs and codes, and semiology is the study of those particular signs and codes. Now you're asking, "What are signs?" Examples of 'signs' include:
An easy example of the usage of semiotics is when you walk along the beach and see footprints in the sand, you then distinguish that someone had previously walked by. However, two individual people could take the same definition but have completely different interpretations. Read the "funnies" in the newspaper -- semiotics understand the humor of them, and semioticians can point out the political implications that are hidden within the artist's work. After reading the newspaper, check your email. Communciation is the sending an receiving of information; e-mail is a technological form of communication. Semiotics are more difficult to understand without watching someone's body, eyes, and mouth move when from them you're receiving information. Within semiology, there are three symbolic signs associated with technological communication:
When you see a hyperlink, that's an index; using emoticons, you have identified an icon; small images scattered around the computer that cause your brain to interpret them in a simple way are the symbols (i.e. Windows logo).
If you're still looking and feeling like Bush in the above picture, use the internet to search information on semiotics, because going to a Library and asking the librarian, "Do you have any books on Semiotics or Semiology? -- You know, the study of signs?" He/she will just be as blank as paper.
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