Semantics.

The lecture today was our first of the new module, and focused on semantics. We went into the effects of signs, and codes, and how they impact and form our lives and experiences.

Key semiotic terminology:
Semiotics - the study of signs within society, toolbox to observe and deconstruct surroundings
Sign - a single stimulus that coveys meaning
Codes - a group of semiotics
Signifier - stimulus
Signified - the brain's reaction when experiencing the stimulus
Langue - the whole language system
Parole - example of text, speech etc
Paradigm - point of substitution in a sentence - a word can be exchanged but the sentences' meaning will remain the same (like a synonym)

I found the following website that was very helpful in furthering my understanding of semantics, and its key terms:

Semiotic Terminology

The table displaying the rose, I find, is particularly helpful as it is a very simple, visual way of understanding the fundamentals of semiotics and signs.

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Reading   Notes.