semiotic analysis

1. Semiotic analysis
By ME

2. Introduction to semiotics
Semiotics is the study of signs. We use it in media to analyse texts to find the
information that is useful.
Saussure states that we read signs in three steps:
• Sign: We see the actual thing. E.g: the word cat is a series of curves and
lines on paper.
• Signifier: We interpret the lines on the paper to make up the word cat.
• Signified: We recognise what a cat is. E.g: we picture a particular animal.

3. Introduction to semiotics
Semiotics is the study of signs. We use it in media to analyse texts to find the
information that is useful.
Barthes looks at the process in 2 parts.
• Sign: A red rose.
• Denotation: we imagine a particular flower, colour.
• Connotation: we attach a deeper meaning to the rose such as romance. In
other words Denotation is saying exactly what we can see. Connotation is
the deeper meaning we attach to it.

4. Strapline: lets us know Cover Image: the cover image Masthead: this is
the topic of the magazine helps indicate what the another word for
magazine is about, in this case title.
it’s a skateboarder For this
magazine, the
colour red could
mean danger and
Cover line: shows some that skating can be
content of the magazine, dangerous.
In this case some famous
people in the skater
world.
Target audience: Cover line:
Age:15-25 years old This intrigues the
Gender: both reader, make them
Interests: skateboarding think they want to
Lifestyle: casual, care free know more. Female
Career: student style font may
attract a female
audience

5. Conclusion
• The possible average reader is a late teens to
early twenties reader who can be either male
or female. The reader enjoys skateboarding
and a casual lifestyle. They pass their time in
an educational environment.