This document defines key concepts in semiotics, the study of signs and signification. It explains that a sign is composed of a signifier and signified. Signs can be symbolic, iconic, or indexical depending on the relationship between the signifier and signified. Additional concepts covered include denotation, connotation, metonymy, synecdoche, paradigmatic and syntagmatic relations, myths, codes, and ideologies.

1. The Study of Signs, Symbols,
and Signification
SEMIOTICS

2. SIGNIFIER
• Any material thing that signifies, e.g., poetry, facial expression,
clothing
SIGNIFIED
• The concept that a signifier refers to.

3. TOGETHER THE SIGNIFIER AND SIGNIFIED MAKE
UP THE:
SIGN The smallest unit of meaning. Anything
that can be used to communicate
SYMBOLIC (ARBITUARY) SIGNS Signs where the relation between signifier
and signified is conventional and culturally
specific.
ICONIC SIGNS Signs where the signifier resembles the
signified.
INDEXICAL SIGNS Signs where the signifier is caused by the
signified.
DENOTATION The most basic or literal meaning of a sign.
CONNOTATION The secondary, cultural meanings of signs;
or "signifying signs," signs that are used as
signifiers for a secondary meaning.
METONYMY A kind of connotation where in one sign is
substituted for another with which it is
closely associated.
SYNECDOCHE A kind of connotation in which a part is
used for the whole.

4. COLLECTIONS OF RELATED CONNOTATIONS
CAN BE BOUND TOGETHER BY:
• PARADGMATIC RELATIONS - Where signs get meaning from their
association with other signs.
• SYNTAGMATIC RELATIONS - Where signs get meaning from their
sequential order.

5. MYTHS
• A combination of paradigms and syntagms that make up an oft-told
story with elaborate cultural associations.
CODES
IDEOLOGIES
• Codes that reinforce or are congruent with structures of power. It
works largely by creating forms of "common sense," of the taken-
for-granted in everyday life.
• A combination of semiotic systems, that function as general maps
of meaning, belief systems about oneself and others, which imply
views and attitudes about how the world is and/or should be. Codes
are where semiotics, social structure and values connect.