Barthes Research Articles

Now you see me, now you don’t: an exploration of religious exnomination in DALL-E

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are increasingly being used not only to classify and analyze but also to generate images and text. As recent work on the content produced by text and image Generative AIs has shown (e.g., Cheong et al., 2024, Acerbi & Stubbersfield, 2023), there is a risk that harms of representation and bias, already documented in prior AI and natural language processing (NLP) algorithms may also be present in generative models. These harms relate to protected categories such as gender, race, age, and religion. There are several kinds of harms of representation to consider in this context, including stereotyping, lack of recognition, denigration, under-representation, and many others (Crawford in Soundings 41:45–55, 2009; in: Barocas et al., SIGCIS Conference, 2017). Whereas the bulk of researchers’ attention thus far has been given to stereotyping and denigration, in this study we examine ‘exnomination’, as conceived by Roland Barthes (1972), of religious groups. Our case study is DALL-E, a tool that generates images from natural language prompts. Using DALL-E mini, we generate images from generic prompts such as “religious person.” We then examine whether the generated images are recognizably members of a nominated group. Thus, we assess whether the generated images normalize some religions while neglecting others. We hypothesize that Christianity will be recognizably represented more frequently than other religious groups. Our results partially support this hypothesis but introduce further complexities, which we then explore.

Freak out! At the acousmonium: François Bayle and the dynamics of the subject

French electroacoustic music in the post-war decades has typically been associated with a high modernism that spurned popular or mass culture. This article situates electroacoustic music in the late 1960s and 1970s in relation to the transformation of the cultural field in this period, which unsettled clear divisions between high and low cultures. Attending in particular to the question of subjectivity as it appears in the theoretical writings of the composers Pierre Schaeffer and François Bayle, the article aligns Bayle's thinking with that of contemporary writers including Julia Kristeva and Roland Barthes, who launched a critique of the Enlightenment subject. This theoretical nexus suggests that Bayle's L’Expérience acoustique (1969–1972) posits a form of subjectivity closer to the psychedelic counterculture than to the sober listening of Schaeffer's writings. In unsettling the Schaefferian listening subject, the piece opens itself to a heterogeneous listening, the social consequences of which remain significant today.

Resistance Againts Patriarchal Cultural Hegemony on Instagram @laviaminora

This research constitutes a qualitative descriptive analysis using Roland Barthes' semiotic theory, focusing on the concepts of denotation and connotation. Centered around the Instagram account @laviaminora, the study describes and analyzes messages of resistance against patriarchal hegemony manifested in visual texts. Employing semiotic analysis methods, this research highlights how signs of sexuality in the account serve as a form of critique against sexual repression and societal norms in Indonesia.Research findings indicate that the sexuality represented in @laviaminora is not merely a denotation of reality but also carries connotations that create subjective and emotional meanings. The account successfully constructs a narrative of resistance against longstanding myths related to patriarchal culture, emphasizing the values of women's freedom. In the context of Indonesian patriarchal society, the socio-cultural construction of sexuality is identified as a tool to maintain male dominance over women.The research concludes that @laviaminora creatively utilizes semiotics as a means to critique and resist patriarchal norms that continue to influence social and cultural life in Indonesia.

Rethinking fashion review with architectural fashion analysis method

Exploring the interplay between fashion and architecture, this article introduces architectural fashion analysis method, an original methodology for analysing fashion shows through an architectural lens. Focusing on the works of Prada and OMA/AMO, the study delves into the narrative power of space in fashion presentations, informed by theories from Roland Barthes and Adrian Forty, as well as the theoretical model of fashion spaces by McQuillan and Hansen. This approach highlights the underexplored but crucial role of architectural thinking in fashion critique. The article posits that employing architectural principles not only enriches the understanding of fashion but also paves the way for an insightful exploration of fashion’s digital dimension.

REPRESENTATION OF CUSTOMER LOYALTY IN AQUA’s ADVERTISEMENT “SAMBUT KEBAIKAN RAMADHAN BERSAMA AQUA”

Abstract. Relize or not, advertising is very close to human life. Mass media can display tens or even hundreds of advertisements every day. Therefore, effective and attractive advertisements are needed to attract customers. In general, advertising uses the hard selling method, but now it has turned into soft selling, which does not introduce or sell products directly. Therefore, this research will discuss the representation of customer loyalty in AQUA's advertisement "Sambut Kebaikan Ramadan Bersama AQUA". The method used is qualitative with Roland Barthes semiotic analysis. The results of this study show that AQUA's advertisement "Sambut Kebaikan Ramadan Bersama AQUA'' successfully portrays customer loyalty through the usage of strong signs and hidden meanings. At the denotative level, this AQUA advertisement presents an image of loyal AQUA customers who consume AQUA products joyfully during Ramadan. At the connotative level, this advertisement connects the usage of AQUA products with the values of kindness, spirituality, and brotherhood associated with Ramadan. At the mythological level, this AQUA advertisement builds a narrative that describes AQUA’s customers as part of a solid and loving community. In this context, customer loyalty is represented as a form of adherence to the values embraced by the community, which is signified by the consumption of AQUA’s products.Keywords: Advertisement, Representation, Loyalty, Semiotic

THE USE OF CULTURAL ELEMENTS IN SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISEMENTS: SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF APPLE TÜRKİYE “THE GREAT ESCAPE” COMMERCIAL FILM

Today, social media has caused a major transformation, especially in the field of advertising, and these platforms have become a powerful tool for brands to deliver their products and services to wider audiences. Each culture has its own unique language, symbols, traditions and set of values, and these cultural elements can help advertisers convey their messages in a way that is appropriate for the target culture. The purpose of advertising is to persuade consumers by appealing to the values of the target group. In this study, cultural elements and how they are positioned are analysed by making use of Roland Barthes' semiotic approaches. According to the YouTube Ads Leaderboard Turkey results of the second quarter of 2023, the Apple commercial film titled "The Great Escape" was announced to be the most watched commercial film. In this study, this commercial film which was shot in Istanbul Grand Bazaar using only an iPhone 14 Pro was analysed in eight sections. In the two minutes thirty-seven seconds long film which was directed by Sinan Sevinç, seventeen cultural elements were found to be used and each element was analysed in detail. As a result, it was determined that the use of local cultural elements in the advertisements enables the target audience to identify themselves with the advertisement providing a strong emotional bond with the brand. It also creates the impression that the brand shows cultural sensitivity in consumers, and is an indicator that it endeavours to understand the lifestyle and values of the target audience.

MITOS DALAM KAMPANYE POLITIK

One form of audio-visual mass media that is capable of conveying information effectively is a film, both in the form of fiction and documentary. Mass art, especially film, can bring a picture of the contemporary world to the public at large, increase political awareness, encourage world surveillance, and bring social critical images. Through film, directors can convey messages and raise a phenomenon that occurs in society. Roland Barthes's semiotic analysis is very relevant to use in studying a film because a film consists of various interrelated signs. The signs include various sign systems that work together to achieve the desired effect. In Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis, the film has a meaning consisting of a signifier and a signified. The research method used is qualitative with primary data sources from the film Our Brand Is Crisis. Researchers used data collection techniques through observation and documentation. Roland Barthes' Semiotic Analysis in this study is used to interpret the meaning of the signs in the film, which consists of five stages: identifying signs, analyzing denotative and connotative meanings, determining social, cultural, and historical contexts, and analyzing the myths contained in signs. the. The goal is to understand and express meaning in film and how the social and cultural context shapes it.

Visual significations of Monkey King: Hero is Back and Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child

Visual signs can be differentiated into denotative and connotative messages, where denotative messages form the perceptual foundation of an image, and connotative messages engage with a deeper, culturally cognisant layer, imbued with subjective interpretations and aesthetic significations. This study embarks on a qualitative textual analysis with the main aim to elucidate the connotation and denotation of visual significations in two pivotal Chinese animated films, Monkey King: Hero is Back and Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child. Guided by Roland Barthes’ Semiotic theory and Chen’s study, the research delves into the connotative and denotative meanings embodied in the films’ visual elements. The focus is primarily on facial design, physical appearance, clothing, and props, providing a comparative analysis of how these elements function within each film’s narrative framework. The key findings reveal that the visual significations in both films are not merely aesthetic choices but serve as substantial cultural and narrative tools. The characters’ faces, physical appearances, clothing, and props are intricately tied to themes like Chinese opera masks, subversive reconstructions, natural elements, and intangible cultural heritage. These visual cues play a crucial role in reinforcing cultural heritage, spurring innovation, invoking nature reverence, and bolstering national sentiment within film storytelling. Contrasting with previous research that predominantly focused on characters, this study expands the analytical scope to include props, recognising their significance as visual signs in animation. By expanding the analysis to include props alongside characters and visual elements into the analysis, this research offers a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Chinese mythological animations. It enriches the academic discourse on animation studies, demonstrating how visual elements can profoundly influence narrative interpretation and cultural representation. The research affirms the cultural and narrative potency of visual signification in animation and underscores the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation within the realm of Chinese animated films.

Scrutinizing the Myth of Kumunity: The Semiotics of the Philippines’ Pinoy Big Brother Season 10

In applying Roland Barthes' semiotic theory to the analysis of Pinoy Big Brother Season 10 (Dyogi, Katigbak, Vidanes & Andrada, 2021-2022), this study delves into the intricate layers of meaning embedded in the show's 'Kumunity' concept, a term created by the fusion of 'Kumu,' a social media entertainment app, and "community." The primary focus is on unraveling the myth that the 'kumunity' symbolizes within the broader context of the reality television landscape in the Philippines. The investigation meticulously scrutinized selected components of the show—images, music, and dialogues—to elucidate the orders of signification, exposing the nuanced and multifaceted meanings conveyed. The 'kumunity' is portrayed as mirroring a tangible community with shared goals among housemates, showcasing a cohesive objective reminiscent of a localized collective. However, beneath this surface portrayal, this study uncover a rich tapestry of implicit meanings. These include subtle assertions of authority and power dynamics, the reinforcement of cultural nuances, the elevation and glorification of resilience as a virtue, and instances of disunity within the overarching support system. The study, through extensive analysis, goes beyond the apparent and reveals the intricate web of hidden ideologies within the signs presented in Pinoy Big Brother Season 10. It sheds light on the subtle yet impactful societal messages that permeate the realm of reality television, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the show's influence on cultural perceptions and dynamics. Keywords: Kumu, kumunity, Pinoy Big Brother, Roland Barthes, semiotics.

Semiotic analysis of gender bias in news coverage of Reog Ponorogo art

The focus of this research is to analyse the semiotic meaning conceptualised by Roland Barthes, which includes denotative and connotative meanings. This also delves into the myths constructed by the media-related representation of gender switching in Jathil Dancers in Reog Ponorogo and its relationship with the Media Coverage of Gemblak. Researchers extracted data by collecting news from mass media portals that discussed Gemblak Ponorogo. The results showed that mass media significantly maintains people's views on culture and tradition. In Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis, some media employ negative language that can influence a negative view of Gemblak. The media, with its point of view, news sources, and characterisation of those in the news, can significantly affect people's perceptions, and it continues to maintain these assumptions until now.

Roland Barthes and the Impossible Autobiography

Roland Barthes and the Impossible Autobiography

UNFOLDING THE VISUAL ABBREVIATIONS: A SEMIOTIC READING OF ACADEMY AWARD- WINNING FILM PARASITE DIRECTED BY BONG JOON-HO

The film has a strong relationship with language as both are means of communication. Film’s affinity to language is also because both carry ideas in the form of signs. When language uses graphic and phonemic signs for signification, films use visual signs. From a poststructuralist perspective, the signs in a visual narrative make multiple readings possible as in written and spoken language, and make film a visual art that gives its viewers an aesthetic experience. The transition of film from the silent era to the digital age as a result of the revolutionary developments in cinematographic techniques has increased the possibilities for multiple interpretations. This paper attempts a semiotic analysis of the Academy Award-winning film Parasite by applying the concepts of theorists like Christian Metz and Roland Barthes. The paper begins with the major arguments put forth by Christian Metz regarding the sign and its application in film and proceeds to explain the five codes in semiotics proposed by Roland Barthes. The paper concludes with the application of these concepts in analyzing the visual signifiers in the film Parasite to justify that semiotics have educated the audience in analyzing film to explore its connotative meanings.

Translation Principles in Modern Cognitive Paradigm

The article discusses the cognitive-communicative principles of modern translation studies based on the cognitive paradigm, which focuses on the cognitive activities of translators and the information, knowledge, and meanings contained in texts and discourses. The aim of the research is to develop principles of translation studies from the perspective of this paradigm. The research methodology is based on the author’s concept of translation space, which operates with the concepts of cognition, synergy, and harmony; the concept of “epistemic situation,” which reveals the extralinguistic semantic basis of scientific texts as a triad of ontology, methodology, and axiology; and cognitive studies of language and translation. The methodological approach to the practical analysis of translation implemented in the article is based on the principles of synergy, which reveal the regularities of complex linguo-cognitive systems. The axiological orientation of translation is based on the idea of harmony as a semantic proportionality, which serves as a criterion for translation quality. Fragments of texts from the scientificphilosophical discourse of Roland Barthes and Michel Foucault in Russian and French served as empirical material for analyzing how the principles of translation studies work. As a result of the research, anthropocentric, epistemological, and reflexive-conceptual principles of translation studies are characterized.

Semiotics of Sasak Puppets (Study of Sasak Puppets Kembang Kuning East Lombok)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the meaning and symbolic values of Jayengrana actor in Wong Menak Wayang Sasak story. This study is descriptive qualitative using observation, interview, and documentation as data collection techniques. To obtain the meaning, the researcher use semiotic perspective method analysis from Roland Barthes' theory. After significance analysis is done, a conclusion can be drawn that the symbolic values of the Jayengrana character are interpreted through naming and characterization in playing his main actor role. Each name of the actor reflects his identity or personality which is reflected from character shows on their performance.

PESAN DAKWAH DALAM ANIMASI NUSSA OFFICIAL EPISODE ADAB MENGUAP DAN JANGAN TIDUR SETELAH SUBUH

Islam is a regligion that calls on its followers to carry out da’wah, one of the da’wah contained in the film nussa and rarra is da’wah in the form of animations, the nussa and rarra animations contain many preaching messages, one of which is in the episode adab yawning and not sleeping after dawn, by therefore, this research changes peoples’s thingking by analyzing the nussa and rarra animations. this research aims to find out what kind of message of preaching faith, sharia and morals contained in the animated film nussa in the episode of adab yawning and don’t sleep after dawn and to find out the meaning of denotation and connotation using Roland Barthes semiotic theory. this research uses descriptive qualitative research method. the researcher, using Roland Barthes semiotic analysis research approach, to dissect the meaning of denotation and connotation in the episode of adab yawning and not sleeping after dawn. Roland Barthes semiotic analysis which examines the signifier and signified of an object. the results of research on the animated film nussa, the episode of the adab of yawning and not sleeping after dawn, namely that the message of preaching the faith is depicted through dialogue between mother, nussa, and rarra. what speks about everything is the will of Allah which is a form of tawakal. apart from that, the message of syariah da’wah can be seen in the characters played by umma (mother) and rarra (nussa’s sister) who wear the hijab. and finnaly the message of moral preaching which is reflected in the dialogue of maintaining manners, apologizing and saying thank you.

Representation of multicultural value in animation film Upin-Ipin seasion 6 "Ghost Month"

In the era of advances in information technology, early childhood education can use various media, including film, which is considered a very effective means of conveying messages or ideologies with audio-visual power. The animated film Upin-Ipin, as one of the contestants in the arena of animated film ideology, has an important role in instilling moral values in children. Through the moral message conveyed through the film, the personality formation of young children can be aligned with the moral message conveyed. This study, which applies a qualitative research approach with library methods, uses primary and secondary data as sources of information. Observation and documentation techniques were used to collect data, while data analysis adopted Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis model. The results of the study show that the animated film Upin and Ipin presents multicultural values as part of their Islamic identity, which is reflected in their friendly relationships with characters such as Jarjit (of Indian descent) and Mei-mei (of Chinese descent). Despite coming from different religious and ethnic backgrounds, Upin-Ipin and their friends can interact harmoniously, creating an inclusive playing environment.

Kode Semiotika Roland Barthes pada Antologi Puisi Duka-Mu Abadi Karya Sapardi Djoko Damono

This research is motivated by the use of semiotic codes in poetry that presents ambiguous meanings that are difficult to interpret as a whole. To solve the problem, this research uses semiotic code reading according to Roland Barthes. The material object of this research is a poem entitled Prologue and Saat Sebelum Berangkat contained in the anthology Duka-Mu Abadi by Sapardi Djoko Damono. Methods and techniques of data collection by reading, listening, and recording. While heuristic, hermeneutic, and retroactive methods are used to analyze the data. The results of the analysis show that there are five semiotic codes consisting of prerioactive, hermeneutic, cultural, semantic, and symbolic. The prerioactive code in the Prologue poem is in the form of contemplation and meaning of life, and the realization that a loved one has passed away who then has to carry out a funeral for the corpse in the poem Saat Sebelum Berangkat (SSB). The cultural code of the Prologue poem shows the existence of Christian and Jewish religious culture, as well as the upper middle class in the SSB poem. The symbolic code in the Prologue poem is the use of the pronoun ‘Mu’ which refers to God, the Qain field, and the Gologota hill, while in the SBB poem it is a bouquet of flowers, the full world. The hermeneutic and semantic codes of both poems show the grief and loneliness of being left behind by a loved one. Keywords: Duka-Mu Abadi, Code, Roland Barthes, Semiotics

Murals and Graffiti in Ruins: What Does the Art from the Aliko Hotel on Naxos Tell Us?

This manuscript investigates the cultural and educational dimensions of murals and graffiti in the ruins of the Aliko Hotel on Naxos Island. Moving beyond their aesthetic value, these artworks are examined as conduits for complex sociocultural and educational discourses. Employing semiotic analysis, particularly informed by Roland Barthes’ conceptual framework, the study offers a multi-layered interpretation of the significance of street art. A systematic approach guided the empirical data collection, entailing the careful selection and categorisation of 76 photographs, eventually honed down to 21 key images for detailed analysis. This set, comprising 6 murals and 15 graffiti pieces, was subjected to meticulous examination to discern both dominant themes and motifs (‘studium’) and the elements evoking personal connections (‘punktum’), thereby facilitating emotional and intellectual engagement. The methodology of the study is tailored to uncover the collective narratives encapsulated within these visual forms, as well as the individual responses they provoke. It probes how personal interpretations are influenced by the viewers’ beliefs and backgrounds, thereby expanding the semiotic analysis to encompass both shared and individual meanings. This balanced analytical approach deepens the understanding of visual expressions as dynamic interactions between the artwork and its audience. It underscores the transformative role of street art in urban environments and its contribution to public art discourse. The impending demolition of the Hotel Aliko ruins underscores the ephemeral nature of street art. The murals and graffiti, as transient custodians of cultural and social narratives, accentuate the fragile nature of this cultural heritage. This critical moment underscores the importance of documenting and preserving such art forms and the stories they encapsulate, highlighting their significant role in shaping community identity and cultural education.

Sintesis Produksi Puisi oleh Kecerdasan Buatan: Keterbatasan Fungsi Simbol dan Tanda Perspektif Semiotika Roland Barthes

<div class="container"><p><em>In recent years, the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence has significantly impacted various aspects of life, including the realm of creative writing in literature. One prominent application of AI is ChatGPT, which can synthesize poetry. However, questions have arisen regarding the extent of their ability to understand and replicate symbolic and sign meanings in literary works, particularly in poetry. This research aims to explore the intervention of artificial intelligence in the poetry creation process and identify limitations related to the use of symbolic and sign functions. Utilizing the perspective of Roland Barthes' Semiotics, this study delves into the symbolic meanings in poetry. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method with hermeneutic reading and content analysis of poetry, comparing it with human-authored poetry. The research data consists of poetry created by the artificial intelligence ChatGPT and human-authored poetry. The results indicate limitations in the ability of artificial intelligence to use symbols and signs in poetry, resulting in interpretations that are limited and tend to follow conventional patterns. Artificial intelligence often relies on common symbols and signs, frequently associated with existing cultural myths. Therefore, the role of humans in the creative process remains crucial in literary writing to ensure the diversity of symbols and signs, fostering the development of more innovative and profound interpretations in poetry.</em></p></div>

INDO BLACK MAGIC: DAYA PIKAT PEREMPUAN INDONESIA DALAM LAGU JEBUNG & BASBOI

Jebung or Jessice Bunga is a newcomer singer whose songs are always unique. One of the songs entitled 'Indo Black Magic' has a theme related to pellets/witchcraft which is still believed by some Indonesian people. This research aims to find out how the image of Indonesian women is depicted in the Jebung song which is related to local myths in Indonesian society. This type of research is qualitative research where this research uses the concept of descriptive content analysis. The research data is in the form of lyrics to the song 'Indo Black Magic' sung by Jebung and Basboi, lyrics transmitted directly from ACUAN Entertainment's YouTube channel without changing the vocabulary and spelling. The data collection technique uses listening and note-taking techniques, then the data is analyzed based on Sara Mills' feminist studies and Roland Barthes' semiotic studies. The results of the research show that there are depictions of Indonesian women who are described based on their ethnicity, including Minang, Batak, Balinese, Dayak and Sundanese. In each lyric, Jebung also inserts a message for women to be confident and proud of the natural beauty they have. Indonesian women don't need to use pellets/witchcraft to attract men, because their charm already radiates and is able to hypnotize anyone who looks at them. Basboi as a rapper also shows his appreciation for Indonesian women who he likens to the natural beauty of Sumba. He values ​​Indonesian women like treasures that must be protected.