Semiotics: meaning, definitions and examples

study of signs

Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation.

semiology.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
semiotics	Used primarily in academic and professional fields to refer to the study of signs and symbols, typically within the realms of linguistics, cultural studies, and communication theory. The researcher presented a paper on the semiotics of advertising and how imagery influences consumer behavior. In our semiotics class, we discussed how symbols convey meaning beyond their literal sense.
semiology	While semiotics and semiology are often used interchangeably, 'semiology' is more likely to be found in studies following the tradition of Ferdinand de Saussure. It's often used in the context of structuralism and early 20th-century cultural studies. Saussure's work laid the foundation for the field of semiology, examining how signs function in society. The book delves into semiology as a method to analyze the underlying structures of myth and narrative.

Examples of usage

• Semiotics helps us understand how meaning is created and communicated through signs.

• The field of semiotics explores the relationships between signs and the meanings they convey.

communication theory

Semiotics is a branch of communication theory that focuses on the analysis of signs and symbols in human communication.

Examples of usage

• In semiotics, signs can be words, images, sounds, or gestures that convey meaning.

• Semiotics helps us understand how people interpret and respond to different signs.