1. Semiotics and Culture In
a Gang Related
Environment
Session 4

2. Aim and Assessment Criteria to be
covered in this session:
• Aim: Understand the significance of language
and semiotics to gangs and gang members (4)
• Assessment Criteria: Describe key aspects of
language and visible signs in a gang related
environment(4.1)
• Explain the implications of language, body
language, and visible signs in a gang related
environment. (4.2)

3. SO, NOW ONTO LANGUAGE &
SEMIOTICS
noun
1. The study of signs and symbols as elements of communicative
behavior; the analysis of systems of communication, as language,
gestures, or clothing.
2. a general theory of signs and symbolism, usually divided into
branches of pragmatics, semantics, and syntactics.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/relationship?s=t&path=/ (accessed
21-5-2013)

4. • “Body language speaks to us,
but only in whispers”

6. • According to Albert Mehrabian a pioneer in
body language research from the University of
Pennsylvania, when communicating with
others, 7% is verbal (words), 38% is vocal
(sounds & tones) and 55% is physical.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tm4yM
9haZU

8. GANG RECOGNITION CHECKLIST
Gang Signs & Clothing

9. Here are some examples of
created symbols (mainly from
America)

12. 12
“Mi Vida Loca”-
My Crazy Life
Tear Drop

13.  First indication of gang activities
 Newspaper of the streets
 Used to mark turf
 Declares allegiance to the gang
 Advertises the gangs power or status
 Challenge to rival gangs: By crossing out rival gangs work
 Occasionally will contain street names or names of gang members
 Used to pay respect to fallen gang members

14.  Cryptic messages
 Usually in the form of a letter
 Originated with Black Gangs
 Used to tell a story, challenge rival gangs, and brag
 Identifies which gang a gang member belongs to

15. • In small groups discuss how these signs and
symbols may or may not operate in our local
contexts.
• How are young people in Britain influenced by
others elsewhere? Think about influences
from fashion and music especially.

16. AND… HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO
CULTURE & CULTURAL IDENTITY ?
• Stuart Hall is a Cultural Theorist & Professor of
Sociology at the Open University.
”the word cultural identity is used to refer to whatever is distinctive about the
way of life of a people, community, nation, or social group“. (Hall.,S, 1997, pg 2) Cultural
References and Signifiers, The Open University, Sage Publications, Bath,. Accessed
25/06/13
In comprehending this we can see that in relaying a specific meaning to a
culture we are not only referencing a group but ultimately inferring their way
of life.

17. GEERTZ’S THEORY OF THICK & THIN
DISCRIPTIONS OF CULTURE
• Geertz (1973) provides an explanation for
understanding culture and for the
development of culture
• Ep. 3 Blood Brothers. The Peacemaker L.A.
Wars Season 1