Semiotic Research Articles

The spirit of the book cafe: Kurdish-language activism and the contested values of youth and culture in Turkey

ABSTRACT This article deploys a semiotic anthropological analysis of value to understand the recent emergence and spread of the Kurdish book cafe, or pirtûk kafe, using it as a window into the changing state of Kurdish language-activism and Kurdish youth culture in Turkey. Drawing on ethnographic research and interviews with cafe owners, operators, and patrons, the article offers both an overview of the pirtûk kafe in contemporary Turkey and an analysis of its role in promoting Kurdish culture and the use of the Kurdish language among the country’s youth.

The social commentary of Squid Game: reflections on Korean art, space and inequality

This paper discusses how communal spaces of childhood activity in Korea are reimagined in the drama Squid Game as part of a social commentary on class and economy. Many spaces shown in Squid Game are nostalgic representations of common Korean playgrounds, parks, and urban neighborhoods. In the show, however, these spaces of delightful memory are transformed into gory places where the literalized violence of neoliberal capitalism plays out. I argue that the creators of the show participate in a history of understanding communal spaces as focal points of social structure and expression that have been crucial in Korea since the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). The use of such spaces over centuries, including their reenvisioning in modern media, illustrates how political and economic relationships are intimately tied to constructions and perceptions of space. Through a detailed structural, visual, and semiotic analysis of the communal spaces of historical and modern urban Korea, and a comparison with the spaces in Squid Game, I argue that social spaces are intimately tied to social hierarchies and the long history of inequality in Korea.

VALUES OF CHILDREN'S CHARACTER EDUCATION IN NUSSA ANIMATED FILM

Seeing the high number of children's YouTube viewers, but there is not much YouTube content that contains character education, so that children are influenced by content that does not provide character values and causes children to experience a character crisis. One of the contents that can in still character values in children is the Nussa animated film that is broadcast on YouTube. The purpose of the study was to examine the values of character education in the Nussa animated film. This research is a qualitative descriptive study and is included in the type of library research. Data collection techniques were carried out through documentation. Data analysis used the content analysis method and used Roland Barthes' semiotic theory. Data validity checks were carried out by extending observations, increasing perseverance, and triangulation techniques. The findings of this study are nine characters values in the five episodes of the Nussa animated film, namely: religious, honesty, tolerance, creativity, curiosity, national spirit, friendly/communicative, caring for the environment, and responsibility.

Externalization of the mind in the meaning-making process: An integrated semiotic and cognitive science perspective

Abstract This article seeks to outline the effective integration of semiotic methods, particularly the Peircean approach, with research on human creative cognition. The aim is to elucidate the involvement of the mind and neurological mechanisms in the process of semiosis. By examining how the mind externalizes thoughts and ideas, the article offers a fresh perspective on how external models and representations serve as essential anchors of meaning. Furthermore, this integrated approach provides a deeper understanding of how meaning is constructed and communicated, highlighting the importance of considering both internal cognitive processes and external manifestations in the study of semiotics.

Pathways to motivation and learning in English language education: a case of two youths engaging in multiliteracies

Purpose This study investigates the effect of digital multimodal composing (DMC) on student motivation and literacy in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. It explores how students engaged in creating digital animations to respond to literary texts and the implications for integrating DMC into traditional literacy practices. Grounded in social semiotic theory and Self-Determination Theory, this study aims to understand how digital composing influences student engagement, motivation and literacy development. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative data were gathered over a six-month period using a combination of student surveys, semi-structured interviews, reflection logs and student-produced scripts/animations. This study focused on two university students who engaged in multimodal projects as part of their extracurricular EFL activities, examining their processes and reflections. Findings Students demonstrated strong intrinsic motivation during DMC processes, largely due to the social affordances provided by digital multimodal composing. By combining traditional literacy skills with digital practices, students experienced enhanced creative expression, enhanced meaning-making and a deeper understanding of literary texts through the production and sharing of animated videos. This process promoted both emotional and cognitive engagement, emphasizing the importance of teacher guidance and digital tools in creating a more dynamic and supportive learning environment. Practical implications This study outlines a practical approach to DMC through a structured process: selecting and reading a book, proposing a change as if requesting it from the author, creating and sharing a video on YouTube to explain the change and reflecting on the experience. This approach can guide educators in designing activities that deepen student engagement, enhance critical thinking and integrate digital tools with traditional learning methods. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of how digital technologies can transform traditional literacy practices, offering insights into the benefits of multimodal composition for language learning and motivation in EFL contexts. It provides practical examples of how students and teachers can leverage digital tools to enhance literacy education and prepare students for 21st-century challenges.

The Unsettling of Women Prime Ministers: A Gendered Analysis of Political Cartoons

Women politicians have long experienced gendered and often sexist portrayals within the mainstream media that reproduce and reinforce the heteronormative gender binary. Though the media overwhelmingly support binary notions of gender, the way in which they portray women politicians, intentionally or not, also has the potential to unsettle notions of sex/gender. Political cartoons have been widely and historically used by newspapers to communicate certain messages to the reader, drawing from cultural norms and stereotypes, often in ways that would be regarded as unacceptable if written in the text of the article. However, little research has examined gender stereotypes in political cartoons of women political leaders and those that do largely focus on the “feminine”. This paper will address that gap by analyzing how “masculine” stereotypes are used in political cartoons of four women Prime Ministers from English speaking Westminster Democracies: Julia Gillard (Australia), Margaret Thatcher (UK), Jenny Shipley (NZ) and Helen Clark (NZ). Drawing from Judith Butler’s idea of gender performativity and utilizing a feminist semiotic methodological analysis of selected political cartoons, I explore how masculine stereotypes are used to ridicule these leaders for their supposed gender subversion while also inadvertently unsettling the gender binary.

Digital artifacts in mathematics education: how can we study the learning processes they promote?

AbstractThis contribution is an elaboration of what was presented by the first author at her invited conference "Digital Artifacts in Mathematics Education" held in September 2023 at the XXII Congress of the Italian Mathematical Union. The aim of the paper is to present to those who are less familiar with qualitative research in Mathematics Education fundamental aspects to consider when studying mathematics learning mediated by digital artifacts. Three examples are presented that show glimpses of mathematical learning mediated by digital artifacts; we discuss how such student learning processes can be captured through adaptations of the Theory of Semiotic Mediation. In the discussion of the three examples, we also highlight the fundamental role played by task design and by the educator in promoting the students’ mathematics learning.

Semiotically deconstructing parental and adolescent failed communication: It’s not what they’re saying, it’s their words

Language change and creativity among adolescent language use, is nothing new. However, teachers in schools and parents in homes continue to feel left out of the linguistic figured world of the youth that they teach or raise, often leading to either perceived or real failed communication. In this study I offer a thoughtful and perhaps unique social semiotic analysis of the process and motivation for youth creation of new words or the resemanticization of existing words. Understanding the need for youth to create their own linguistic worlds for acceptance into social worlds has less to do with creating a barrier between them and their parents or teachers and more to do with positive identity development, could be the key for unlocking positive communication with the adults in their lives. Within, I put forth the idea that there exist purposeful in-groups and out-groups, of which the out-groups can be further divided into desirable and un-desirable out-groups. It is important to uncover the different affordances of existing terms and to create inventories of new terms and their synchronic meanings and possible diachronic evolution, in order for parents to understand the motive and need for youth creativity with language. Accepting the possibility, that youth are simply constructing and describing the world around them, changes the paradigm of parental-adolescent communication from a gulf or abyss to a potential bridge or a passageway connecting the two worlds.

Symbolism and meaning in city monuments: a semiotic study

Symbolism and meaning in city monuments: a semiotic study

A Semiotic Analysis of Body Language in Trump’s Attacks

A Semiotic Analysis of Body Language in Trump’s Attacks

Representation of Women's Loyalty Values in the Film Pilgrimage by Bw Purba Negara (Semiotic Analysis of Roland Barthes)

In the 2017 Asean International Film Festival and Award, Ziarah received four awards, including Best Screenplay (BW Purba Negara), Best Actress (Ponco Sutiyem), Best Director (BW Purba Negara) and Best Film. The film is a drama genre that tells the story of a character named Mbah Sri, a 95-year-old woman who is looking for her husband (Prawiro Said) because he never came home and never even heard from him after saying goodbye to the Second Military Aggression war in 1984. The storyline is entirely based on Mbah Sri as the heir to the memory of the historical events experienced by her husband. This study uses a qualitative approach using Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis. Semiotic analysis is a way or method to analyze and give meanings to symbols that contain a package of symbols, symbols, messages or textsThis research uses a qualitative approach using Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis. In conclusion, the representation of women's loyalty values in the film Ziarah by BW Purba Negara is depicted through the actions and characteristics of couples who are still loyal even though their partners have no news. Mbah Sri still thinks about her partner and tries to find her again at all costs. He did not give up on the search process until he finally rediscovered his true love in his old age.

Makna Simbolik Appabbajikang Bunting Pada Prosesi Pernikahan Adat Makassar di Desa Pattallikang Kabupaten Gowa

This research is entitled The Symbolic Meaning of Appabbajikang bunting in the Makassar Traditional Wedding Procession in Pattallikang Village, Gowa Regency. This research aims to describe the icons, indices and symbols contained in the process of implementing appabbajikang bunting in Pattallikang village, Gowa Regency in terms of Charles Sanders Peirce's semiotic theory. This type of research is qualitative with a qualitative descriptive research design. The methods used in collecting data for this research were observation, interviews and documentation. The results of this research show that in the process of implementing the appabbajikang bunting tradition in Pattallikang village, Gowa Regency it has the meaning of (1) icons, namely tai bani and doek. (2) the meaning of the index, namely dupa, nipaasori lipak, and nisioi na sisioi kanrejawa. (3) the meaning of the symbols, namely jajjakkang, umba-umba, tai bani, doek, kanrejawa lapisik, lawarak kadea, kanrejawa sirikaya, songkolok palopok, jeknek inung, lekok kalomping, lipak. In general, the meaning contained in the tradition of the appabbajikang bunting procession in Pattallikang village, Gowa Regency is to unite the bride and groom, obtain abundant fortune, and have a prosperous household life.

THE MORAL DIMENSION REFLECTED IN THE SONGS TOMORROW AND WHALIEN 52 BY BTS

Music is an important component of human existence. It has the power to change the listener's mood and evoke emotions. This is a reflection of human love for the beauty of rhythm. To fully appreciate the beauty of music, the lyrics and rhythm must be in harmony with the listener's emotions. This research analyzes the moral meaning of BTS's "Tomorrow & Whalen 52". The approach of data collection adopted is observation, while the technique utilized involves listening and recording the outcomes of the analysis. In analyzing the data, data was taken from lyric quotes in the songs. The aim of this study was to explore the ethical implications of a particular song, and the researcher used qualitative methods for data collection. The data obtained will be analyzed using Charles Sanders Peirce's semiotic theory. Some of the moral messages the writer found in the songs "Tomorrow" and "Whalien 52", include the importance of perseverance, self-love, and self-disclosure with others. In writing this article, the writer hopes to achieve theoretical, academic, and practical significance for the writer and readers in at least three ways: personally, academically (literature), and practically (people in general). Personally, this article can provide insight from a literary perspective, especially regarding the meaning of morals, which we hope will be useful for other people.

Exploration of Liangzhu Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection and Inheritance Path Based on Semiotics Theory

Exploration of Liangzhu Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection and Inheritance Path Based on Semiotics Theory

Knowledge System in Minangkabau Traditional Poetry: Riffaterre's Semiotic Study

Knowledge System in Minangkabau Traditional Poetry: Riffaterre's Semiotic Study

Analisis semiotika pidato kenegaraan terakhir Presiden Joko Widodo pada sidang tahunan MPR 2024

This research aims to examine the semiotic analysis of President Jokowi's final state speech at the 2024 MPR annual session through Charles Sanders Pierce's semiotic approach which involves the analysis of representamen (signs), objects (sign references), and interpretants (use of signs). This research using descriptive qualitative methods to understand the meaning and content contained in the speech. The results of the study show that "Semiotic analysis of President Jokowi's final state speech at the 2024 MPR annual session" effectively conveys emotional messages about apologies, conveying achievements, and leadership hopes. in the future. This speech teaches that whatever we do there must be something good and not good. As humans we need to be humble and apologize for what we have done so far

Ethics and Personality Deformation in Time and Space: A Semiotic Analysis of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat

Romantic literature rose in the 19th century, and the Gothic novel evolved into one of the special genres. Allan Poe carries out the idea of unity of effect. He uses internal and external perspective conversion in The Black Cat, reflecting the continuity of self-consciousness in different times and spaces. It realizes the interpretation of macroscopic ethics and morality connotation. The study focuses on the linguistic symbolic context. It discusses the changing process of the deformed personality of the black cat from the space-time construction implied in the narrative layer. This discussion has research significance in analyzing the signifier meaning of each language symbol and the relationship network of the ideographic system. The construction of time and space, which is full of philosophical thinking, is introduced into the interpretation of the text. At the same time, it further deepens the understanding of Ellen Poe’s moral aesthetic angle. The literature review method and text analysis method are used in this study. From the perspective of the new combination of philosophy and philology theory, it goes further into the inner world of the characters. With the outburst of the negative suggestion power of the protagonist, the deformity of the character also reaches the climax of the intensity. From an interdisciplinary perspective, literary criticism offers a new way to the Alienation of capitalist society through the involuntary flow of consciousness and the conversion of narrative layers.

The photographic sign and the trichotomy of the trace

This article offers a novel perspective on the specific understanding of the photographic sign, situating the trace at the core of its functioning. The photographic sign is subjected to Peirce semiotics analysis, which reveals its underlying structure. This decomposition allows the establishment of a semiotic model that clarifies the essence and characteristics of photography and draws certain broader lessons about the notion of trace. On this basis, three categories of object are distinguished the trace, the indicant and the print. These three objects constitute what we call the Trichotomy of the trace which takes on its full meaning in the forensic field. Building upon this triadic model and our analysis of photography, we propose a refined definition of the trace.

Investigating the Impact of Film and TV Scenes on Adolescents’ Attitudes towards Love: A Case Study of Character Image Construction

With the widespread influence of movies, many young individuals have sought inspiration for romantic love from television and film. A healthy perspective on love is essential for the development of adolescents. This research employs semiotic analysis of the TV series Empresses in the Palace to investigate the views on love held by the female protagonist Zhen Huan and male protagonist Guo Jun Wang, as well as their potential impact on young viewers. The findings indicate that Zhen Huan and Guo Jun Wang’s romantic relationship aligns with numerous criteria advocated by contemporary psychology for nurturing intimate relationships. Notably, Guo Jun Wang’s character stands out for providing Zhen Huan with nurturing and healing rather than a transformative, dominant assistance that could completely alter her life. In contrast to traditional portrayals in most TV shows and films where women play supporting roles in romantic relationships, Empresses in the Palace presents audiences with a distinctly male character, challenging gender stereotypes and demonstrating that women can also exhibit clarity, independence, rationality, and control within romantic partnerships. This study encourages future television and film productions to diversify character representations and introduce fresh perspectives to audiences.

NOSTALGIA IN SONG LYRICS: A SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF NIKI’S ‘HIGH SCHOOL IN JAKARTA’

The present research uses a qualitative descriptive approach to explore the meanings and experiences of nostalgia contained in the lyrics of the song High School in Jakarta. The research data consists of the song lyrics as the primary data source. Data collection techniques include observation of the lyrics by noting relevant sections, literature review to understand the cultural context, and systematic text analysis. The data analysis process is conducted through three stages. First, a denotative analysis that examines the concrete elements in the lyrics, such as names, places, and events that reflect adolescent experiences. Second, a connotative analysis that delves into the emotions and deeper meanings behind the words used. Third, a myth analysis that identifies cultural myths present in the lyrics, such as societal views on adolescence and the role of social relationships in identity formation. The research findings indicate that this song serves as a reflective tool for listeners regarding adolescence, as well as how nostalgia is formed through lyrics rich in meaning and cultural context. In conclusion, semiotic analysis provides a deeper understanding of nostalgia as a strong emotional response rooted in the complexities of adolescence.