Semiotics: Analysis of the Mise-en-Scene Image, Major Signs in the Image, Iconic, Indexical and Symbolic Signs - Coursework Example

Semiotics Name Institution Date Semiotics Introduction Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and how they can be used effectively during communication. It is closely related to linguistics and the sign systems. The signs can also be used for interpreting an object because most of the objects or images have some hidden meanings which can only be interpreted through the proper study of the images. The natural signs may also be used for the interpretation of the languages and it is common in terms of the semiotics. The semiological approach is useful in creating a meaning of objects. The ideological inherence of an image is also considered when using the semiological approach to interpret the meaning of an image (Kull, 2011). Most images also have cultural aspects that have been embedded in them. These aspects can only be interpreted through the use of the semiological approach. The paper uses the semiological approach for the purposes of establishing how meaning is constructed in relation an image of study. Analysis of the image Mise-en-scene Image Description Two characters appear in the image and they are both children who appear to be below the age of five years. The two characters in the image are female. One of the characters is black while the other is white and they are embracing each other. They both have long hairs that have been done in different styles. The hair of the black girl has not been done well and it appears as if she has ‘horns’ from the way it has been tied. The white girl is smiling and she appears happy while the black girl is not smiling and does not look happy from her facial expression. She looks a little confused and sad as compared to the white girl. Relevance and importance The image is relevant in terms of expressing unity and togetherness among the different races which is the black and white. This is important in terms of expressing oneness and unity that should be embraced by the different races in the world. The racial issues have been a subject of discussion and it has always divided the people in the world. The image thus plays a significant role in terms of portraying unity which is essential in the world. The display of unity between the different races is indicated by the two girls embracing each other which show acceptance and tolerance. In most cultures people embrace each other as a sign of love and unity among them and hence display of unity among the different races that has been portrayed in the image. Power In the image, the white girl holds more powers as compared to the black girl. This is because the black girl is not smiling and she does not appear happy. This is opposite from the white girl who is smiling and appears happy. This could be an indication that she dominates the black girl and is the one in control. From the look of their hair, the white girl also appears to be well groomed as compare to the black girl which indicates that she has more access to quality life as compared to the black girl. This is an indication that she holds more power as compared to the black girl who looks sad and gloomy. Signs Major signs in the image The signs in the image play an important role in terms of the interpretation. In the image, the dyadic sign is evident due to the presence of the signifier and the significant. The images are photographic and it displays things that are common in the world and hence dyadic. On the other hand, the images also portray some concepts of Triadic signs. The triadic signs are usually plays an important role during the interpretation of an object. The image has elements which enables the interpretation to take place and hence resulting to communication. This is and indication that the major signs found in an object plays an important role in terms of the interpretation (Leeds-Hurwitz, 2012). Iconic, Indexical and Symbolic Signs The iconic concepts are displayed in the image by its ability to resemble the true images and it is of high quality. Since the mage is also photographic, the iconic concepts are also highlighted by quality. The concepts of index in the object have been displayed by the factual connections which bears a closer resemblance to the real. On the other hand, symbolic signs are displayed due to the presence of connections as well as the factual connections. The presence of iconic, indexical and symbolic signs plays an important role in terms of the interpretation of the image (West, 2012). Signifier and significant The signifiers are mainly the plan of expression while the signifieds are the plane of content. The substance in the signifiers contains the physical material of the medium. In the image the signifier is mainly the photographic image that is composed of the photograph. The signified on the other hand is the human content which has been displayed in the image in terms of the black and white girl. The form in the signifier is composed of the technique and style. The semantic structure in the image is the form on the part of the signifieds. Denotative aspects of the image The literal face value id the denotative aspect of an image and it does not involve the deeper analysis of the image being analyzed. The two young girls of the different races represent the denotative aspect of the image. On the other hand, the image also represents young girls with different facial expression. This is because the white girl is smiling while the black girl appears to be bloomy and sad. The denotative aspect of an image gives room for the interpretation of the image and hence bringing out the real meaning of the image which is important I terms of communication. The detonative aspects of an image are also regarded as the literal aspect or what can be seen in the image without interpretation. Connotative aspects of the signs The connotative aspects of the signs are sometimes refereed to as the analogue code and it plays an important role during the interpretation of the image. The connotative signs that are displayed in the image includes race. This is because the image shows two girls from different races. Cultural diversity is also an aspect of connotation that is displayed in the image. This is because the black people and the white people do not have similar cultures and hence the issues of diversity. The difference between the two girls is also an important aspect that comes to mind during the analysis. This is also an important aspect of connotation and is also useful during the interpretation of the image (Cobley, 2011). Myth/ideology World-view The issue of race is an important world view that has been displayed by the image. This issue has been contentious for centuries and it has led to the issues of pone race being dominant over the other. Different people allover the world has different views with regards to the races and cultural diversity. However, most of the people are in support of unity among all races for the purposes of ensuring the well being of the society. As the images sows the girls embracing each other, most of the people around the world are in support of tolerance among the different races in the world for the sake of harmony and a peaceful coexistence. Value of the point of view The perspective of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the different races in the world is highly valued. This is for the purposes of ensuring g that everyone is given an equal opportunity in terms of all aspects of life. This is also important in terms of achieving the common goals of the countries in the world. All the international organizations are also for the idea of unity and a peaceful coexistence among the people of different races in the world. This has been useful in terms of eliminating discrimination among the people allover the world in terms of their race which was witnessed in the past. How the perspective is upheld The perspective is usually upheld through the laws that are against the discrimination of people in the world die to their race. On the other hand, it is also important to note that the countries in the world have united to fight any for of discrimination or racism that was witnessed in the past. Equal opportunities are usually availed to everyone in the world regardless of their race and hence the upholding of the perspective. In most countries, the issues of race are no longer considered in terms of service provision as the services are usually provided to everyone on an equal basis regardless of the race. This has played an important role in terms of enhancing unity among the different races in the world (Sitkoff, 2010). Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that the concepts of semiotics play an important role in terms of establishing the meaning of an image and hence leading to an interpretation. In terms of denotation, the message in the image could not be understood easily. However, with the introduction of connotation, the interpretation of the image can be enhanced leading to the establishment of the meaning. It is also evident that the issues of signifiers and signifieds are useful in the analysis of the image. The image also plays an important role in the world due to the world views that it generates. References Sitkoff, H. (2010). Toward Freedom Land: The Long Struggle for Racial Equality in America. Kentucky: University Press of Kentucky. Kull, K. (2011). Semiotics is a theory of life. Semiotics, 15-31. Leeds-Hurwitz, W. (2012). Semiotics and communication: Signs, codes, cultures. London: Routledge. West, T. L. (2012). Symbols of Wicca as Semiotic Intrapersonal Communication. Semiotics, 189-194. Cobley, P. (2011). Semiotics continues to astonish: Thomas A. Sebeok and the doctrine of signs (Vol. 7). Walter de Gruyter. Read More