Topic Exploration

After weeks of being indecisive on which topic, I've finally made up my mind to discuss about essay question 1 because I prefer to find out the hidden meanings in advertisements, to open up the layer of meaning lies beneath the advertisement.

A Picture Worth a Thousand Words

The connotation and denotations of the semiotics are useful in terms of breaking down the surface and hidden meaning of the story lies in the photo.

Semiotics is the study of signs. Therefore it can be used to reveal the meanings, similarities and differences of images/adverts.

In question 1, I have to do a comparison on a local brand (Malaysia's brand) advertised in different languages (Chinese and Malay) by using semiotics. I have to find out similarities and differences between the advertisements using semiotics.

Semiotics are closely related to language too. Signs are able to give an understanding to peoples, and it is easier for people to read signs than words.

For e.g. :

No words need to be said and it is understandable.

Therefore in my essay I will include discussion about:
Semiotics

Language/ Linguistic

Connotations & denotations

Sign, signifier & signified

Iconic & symbolic

Paradigm & syntagm

in order to reveal the differences and similarities of the advertisement. As for the local brand advertisement, I am still in the search for it. 


Uvm.edu. n.d.. Definitions of Semiotic Terms. [online] Available at: http://www.uvm.edu/~tstreete/semiotics_and_ads/terminology.html [Accessed: 29 July 2013].