Explanation of Barthes Semiotics

Semiotics: Barthes

Semiotics is the study of meaning. Producers encode messages and that audiences decode. 

Levels of signification (meaning) 

• Denotation
• Connotation

Many signs have multiple meanings = polysemic

For example, think about the word ‘heart’. 

A number of similar and different images come to mind. 

 The denotation of heart is a literal description of the muscular organ. 

The connotation of heart is like this image as a symbol of love, or the radio station, the band, etc.