Semiotic Research Articles

Exploration of Cultural Values in the Blarak-Blarak Sempal Game: Semiotics of Riffaterre

This research is motivated by the existence of traditional games, namely the blarak-blarak sempal game. The purpose of this study is to describe the symbols and singing verses in the blarak-blarak sempal game. This study uses qualitative research with a descriptive method. The data taken is in the form of words, phrases, clauses, or sentences from symbols and verses sung by the blarak-blarak sempal game. The results of this study are in the form of signification in symbols and singing verses in blarak-blarak sempal using Riffaterre's semiotic theory, namely matrices, models, variants, hypograms, and heuristic and hermeneutic readings. Based on the semiotic readings of Riffaterre, several symbols such as coconut coir, rotate, hold, leg, and balance were found. In the poems, data such as blarak, inciki, mendal, keplere, sandhung, jekluk, and jenang are found. The symbols and verses of the songs found have significant cultural values such as the value of pleasure or joy, the value of cohesiveness, the value of patience, the value of friendship, the value of leadership, the value of cooperation, the value of togetherness, the value of courage, the value of appreciation, and the value of responsibility. The results of this study reveal various components of cultural values in the blarak-blarak sempal game that show the meaning of interpretation in the symbols and songs sung in the game, especially in the context of Javanese culture.

Dharmagita and Character Education: An Ethnographic Perspective on Literary Traditions among Ubud Youth

This ethnographic study examines the influence of Dharmagita, a traditional Balinese literary form, on character education among youth in Ubud. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observations, and analysis of Dharmagita texts, engaging 30 Balinese youths aged 15-21. The study employs semiotic analysis to decode the symbolic representations within the texts and psychoanalytic theory to explore their impact on the psychological development of moral values. The findings highlight Dharmagita’s role in embedding values such as care, fairness, honesty, forgiveness, cooperation, responsibility, and community awareness into the fabric of youth education. Integrating these values into everyday life through literary traditions provides a dual benefit: moral development and cultural continuity. Additionally, the study notes Dharmagita's entertaining elements enhance its receptivity among youth, suggesting its potential as an accessible tool for moral instruction. Limitations regarding the diverse interpretations of Dharmagita and its applicability across different educational settings are discussed. This research contributes to the dialogue on culturally responsive pedagogy, offering Dharmagita as a model for integrating indigenous literary practices into character education frameworks.

Nostalgic nation: simplicity, togetherness, and the senses in contemporary Greece

ABSTRACT This article examines how nostalgia for the late twentieth century has marked Greece since the 2010s. The analysis merges invisible observation and semiotic analysis to scrutinize nostalgic social groups on Facebook and brings the findings into dialog with interviews with creators of nostalgic places. Nostalgia is approached as an emotion that revolves around idealized utopias founded upon simplicity and togetherness in Greek society. Finally, the article argues that nostalgia represents a multi-sensory experience able to connect digital environments with ‘real-life’ experiences linking heterogeneous audiences.

A semiotic analysis of the canonical image macro meme

A semiotic analysis of the canonical image macro meme

Poliandri Sebuah Refleksi Ajaran Bhakti dan Śraddhā dalam Kakawin Kreṣṇā Pancawiwāha

Kakawin Kreṣṇā Pancawiwāha tells the story of Dewi Kresna's marriage to Panca Pandawa, which is interesting to study because the concept of marriage in this text has shifted. The marriage that is supposed to be between a man and a woman is told differently in this text, where a woman marries five men at the same time, known as polyandry. The polyandrous marriage narrated in the Kakawin Kreṣṇā Pancawiwāha text is actually not merely the main purpose, but a symbolic one that has meaning in it. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the symbolic meanings of polyandry that have relevance to Hindu religious teachings. This research is an analytical descriptive research with a textual approach that uses the text of Kakawin Kreṣṇā Pancawiwāha as the main data source. The method used in the data collection stage is literature study with translation, listening, and note-taking techniques. In the analysis stage, the analytical descriptive method was used, assisted by interpretative techniques based on the working principles of semiotic theory. The result found is that the phenomenon of polyandry in the Kakawin Kreṣṇā Pancawiwāha text is a symbol that contains religious philosophical values for Hindus to reflect the teachings of Bhakti (devotion) and Śraddhā (belief). The implementation of the teachings of Bhakti (devotion) is realized by the attitude of Satya Laksana (loyal to the righteous actions) to Guru Rupaka (parents) as a reflection of the teachings of Guru Bhakti. Symbolic polyandry as a concept of Śraddhā, is realized by the reflection of the teachings of Karmaphala Sraddha (belief in the existence of karma) which has a reciprocal relationship with Punarbhawa Sraddha (belief in the existence of repeated births). The mythology found states that polyandry is an existence of life that has implications for the improvement of Bhakti and Śraddhā.

The Study of Signs in Frida (2002): Exploring the Creative Nexus between the Film and the Paintings

The symbiotic link between the film Frida (2002) and the artworks of the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo were examined with this study. In order to locate the Frida Kahlo paintings that were included in the film, this study analyses how they relate to the plot and settings, in a qualitative methodology. The formal analysis of those paintings discovered that they were used in a variety of ways to enhance the story in the film, including: to provide Kahlo's thoughts a visual expression, to offer comments on the film's topics and to establish a feeling of continuity between the many scenes. The semiotic analysis on denotative and connotative meaning was applied on the relevant scenes of the film Frida (2002). According to the study's findings, combining film and art can be a potent approach to communicate a story and produce a visually appealing film experience. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 91-120.

FASHION AS A FORM OF SELF-IDENTITY: A SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF MILLENNIALS' DRESS STYLE

Fashion plays a significant role in shaping self-identity, particularly among Indonesian millennials living in the digital and globalized era. This study aims to analyze the role of fashion as a visual communication medium in expressing millennials' self-identity through Roland Barthes' semiotic approach. Using a qualitative literature review method, data were collected from relevant secondary sources, such as journal articles, books, and dissertations. The analysis reveals that fashion functions as a system of signs containing denotative meanings, such as color or design, and connotative meanings reflecting personality, social status, or local culture. Social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, serve as key arenas for millennials to showcase their fashion styles and construct their public identities. The findings affirm that fashion not only reflects but also shapes self-identity within the context of negotiating globalization and locality. This study contributes theoretically to semiotic studies and practically to the fashion and marketing industries. However, the absence of direct empirical data is a limitation, suggesting that future research should integrate field methods to deepen understanding of the interaction between fashion and millennial identity.

The Meaning of The Song Sayonara no Imi By Nogizaka46

This study discusses the meaning of the song Sayonara no Imi by Nogizaka46. The song Sayonara no Imi is the 16th single by Japanese idol girl group Nogizaka46. This song was written by Yasushi Akimoto who is also the founder of the group. The song Sayonara no Imi tells about the process of parting with someone you love. The meaning of the song will be found by using the semiotic theory put forward by Charles Sander Peirce. The method used to collect data in this research is the discourse analysis/observation method which focuses on the data source for the lyrics of the song Sayonara no Imi. This research also makes used of Chatgpt to get the information dealing with the references needed to support the analysis. Moreover, the information provided by chatgpt dealing with the analysis is also used as the supporting argument for the analysis. The data was analyzed using a qualitative descriptive to find the meaning of the song Sayonara no Imi with the help of the ChatGPT application. The results of this study are the meaning of the lyrics of the song Sayonara no Imi through ChatGPT, namely separation from someone you love and accepting the fact that separation is an unavoidable part.Keywords: Semiotics;Sayonara no Imi,Song

The Social Arts in War-Related Loss and Trauma: The Case of Israel

The social arts (SA) are a subfield of the participatory arts that integrate the arts and social practices. SA are defined as art created by socially engaged professionals, including artists, creative arts therapists, social workers, and/or others who collaborate with nonprofessionals. SA artists aim to raise awareness, kindle empathy, and instill hope while urging action. SA works are often created to increase public awareness, influence government policy, and process trauma and grief. This qualitative study describes and contextualizes eight SA works made in Israel in response to the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023, and the hostage crisis in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war. The study also sought to explore the underlying meanings of these works through semiotic analysis. The semiotic analysis revealed recurring themes: the use of signifiers (for example, teddy bears and the figure of a woman) to signify innocence and vulnerability, unoccupied furniture (empty beds, dinner tables awaiting guests) to signify loss, and the use of yellow to signify solidarity and support. The SA works evoked grief, longing, and horror, but also camaraderie and resilience, thus reflecting the range of human experiences during the war. Future research recommendations include exploring the long-term impact of SA and, in particular, its role in encouraging healing, resilience, and hope within the context of conflict and loss.

The Resemiotisation and Intertextuality of Multimodal Discourses in Linguistic Landscape of Public Service Vehicles in Lusaka, Zambia

Using resemiotisation and intertextuality as analytical tools in the broader theoretical conexts of linguistic landscapes and semiotic studies, this article accounts for the diverse and heavily saturated multimodal discourses emplaced on public service vehicles in Lusaka, Zambia (South-Central Africa). As its locus, the study wishes to to unearth the textual and sociocultural sources of emplaced discourses privileging local materialities, agency, and voice. To this end, the article reveals that the multimodal discourses on public service vehicles bring religion into the spotlight, particularly Christianity, as a sociocultural reality of social actors. It is shown that the emplaced multimodal discourses are inescapably related to other texts and narratives predominantly associated with Zambias’ christian religious underpinnings. In this way, the article concludes that resemiotisation and intertextuality are at play in the textual trajectory of discourses seen on public service vehicles in Lusaka, Zambia.

Representasi Liberalisme dalam Film Gran Turismo (Analisis Semiotika John Fiske)

The research aims to understand how the representation of struggle is depicted through the journey faced by the main character in the film Gran Turismo. This research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, as well as a semiotic analysis method by John Fiske using his Three Codes of Television, which divides social codes into three levels: the level of reality, the level of representation, and the level of ideology. Data collection was conducted through non-participant observation, with documentation in the form of screen captures. The results of this research include analyses of the level of reality, the level of representation, and the level of ideology. The level of reality is derived from several aspects, including gesture codes, expression codes, conversation codes, and behavior codes. The analysis of the level of reality in this film shows that the character Jann is portrayed as having a focused and patient attitude when facing problems. The level of representation analyzes scenes through audiovisual elements such as camera techniques, lighting, editing, music, and sound. The analysis of the level of representation in this film highlights the importance of aspects that support the film's appearance, making it more engaging and effectively conveying its message. The level of ideology analyzes the story presented in the film to determine the ideological concepts contained within it. The analysis of the level of ideology in this film reveals that the struggles of the main character against the currents of simplicity to become a professional racer illustrate that the film conveys a liberalism ideology, where liberalism represents the concept of individual freedom, particularly to become what one desires.

Foreignness as a double-edged sword for internationalizing cultural goods: deep learning–based semiotic analysis of Hollywood movies in China

Foreignness as a double-edged sword for internationalizing cultural goods: deep learning–based semiotic analysis of Hollywood movies in China

Semiotic analysis of moral messages in the film Women from Rote Island for Christian religious education

This study is entitled Semiotic Analysis of Moral Messages in the Film Woman From Rote Island for Christian Religious Education. The story in the film is taken from the cultural background in East Nusa Tenggara, where women are often victims of domestic violence. This study aims to understand how the moral message in the film is conveyed so that the message can support the values ​​of Christian Religious Education. This film depicts the relationship between humans and others, the relationship between humans and God, and the relationship between humans and the social environment. This study uses a qualitative method, with a Roland Barthes semiotic analysis approach, taking the subject focused on the figure of Orpa representing the image of women in East Nusa Tenggara. Viewed from the Denotation (signifier) ​​aspect, it explains the relationship between the signifier and the signified in reality, producing explicit meaning. Connotation (signified) describes the relationship between the signifier and the signified in non-reality, producing implicit meaning and Myths or customs and beliefs that apply in society. In this study, the scene is focused on the life of Orpa, a woman on Rote Island, East Nusa Tenggara, who experiences violence and discrimination. This discrimination is rooted in centuries-old traditions that stigmatize women as second-class gender in society. In addition to the figure of Orpa, this film will also provide a perspective from Martha, Orpa's daughter. Martha is one of the women who experienced sexual violence that made her feel depressed and depressed—data collection by determining the corpus contained in the film according to the predetermined categorization. The results of this study indicate that the moral messages contained in the film Women From Rote Island are: First, the importance of upholding the value of resilience in facing difficulties, as described by the character Orpa, who is a single parent raising children. Second, courage and independence in rejecting gender discrimination and violence that occurs in Rote, East Nusa Tenggara. Third, there is concern and compassion for women who are victims of violence, including sexual violence. Moral messages can be seen through the data found in the study so that these three values ​​are then integrated into Christian religious education.

The modern development of Jianzhi from Binzhou in Shandong Province (using the example of the work of Chinese master Lan Fumei)

Paper cutting is an important part of Chinese traditional culture, and the regional features of Chinese paper cutting are mainly reflected in the artistic traditions and paper cutting styles in different regions, reflecting the cultural characteristics and folk traditions of each region. The research is devoted to the study of the current state of the traditional Chinese art of jianzhi (paper cutting technique) in Shandong province. It has been established that the northern and eastern traditions/styles of this art are distinguished in Shandong Province. The main focus of the work is on the northern local tradition of Jianzhi, conventionally called "Jianzhi of Binzhou". The purpose of this study is to show the peculiarities of the development of the traditional Jianzhi style from the Chinese city of Binzhou, Shandong province, using the example of the work of the famous master Lan Fumei. The main methods used in this study are historical-cultural, formal-stylistic and semiotic, which allow us to show the features of the artist's creative method and its connection with traditional Shandong paper cutting. The novelty of the research is the formal, stylistic and semiotic analysis of Lan Fumei's famous jianzhi on the historical plot "The Holy Warrior Sun Wu" and on the plot of the Chinese opera "The Woman is the Husband of the Princess", demonstrating the specifics of the regional Jianzhi of Binzhou. It is established that the master uses both traditional jianzhi techniques typical of the Binzhou style, and makes his own changes by expanding the plot. The results of the study are aimed at drawing the attention of Russian researchers to the little-studied regional traditions of Chinese Jianzhi and the work of Lan Fumei, as well as modern traditions of jianzhi development in China.

A Study of the Visual Meaning in the Comic Hai Miiko by Ono Eriko (Based on Ferdinand de Saussure's Semiotics)

This study examines the Hai Miiko comic, popular among Indonesian teenagers, which tells the story of Miiko, a cheerful fifth-grader experiencing puberty. Using Ferdinand de Saussure's semiotic theory, the research analyzes the comic's visual elements, language, and context to uncover deeper meanings and symbolism. Key concepts such as synchronic and diachronic analysis, langue and parole, signifier and signified, syntagmatic and paradigmatic structures, and denotation and connotation are applied to dissect the semiotic aspects of the comic. The findings reveal that Hai Miiko not only depicts the daily lives of teenagers but also serves as a visual representation of the journey to adulthood. Through symbolic imagery and a distinct artistic style, Ono Eriko effectively portrays emotional growth and self-discovery, inviting readers to reflect on childhood nostalgia and the challenges of growing up. This study emphasizes that comics, beyond being entertainment, can convey profound meanings and cultural insights through their visuals and narratives.

Islamic Philanthropy in the Digital Era: Intercultural Communication Strategies for Effective ZISWAF Campaigns

The main issue in the Zakat, Infaq, Shadaqah, and Wakaf (ZISWAF) campaign in the digital era is how to effectively manage communication in a multicultural context. The objective of this research is to identify communication strategies that can inclusively reach multicultural communities. The core statement of this research is that effective intercultural communication is crucial for increasing participation in the ZISWAF campaign. The theory used is John Fiske's semiotic theory, which explains how messages are encoded and decoded by different audiences. The analysis shows that the use of cultural symbols and technology-based approaches can enhance the effectiveness of the ZISWAF campaign. The conclusion of this research is that culturally sensitive communication strategies, supported by digital technology, can increase community engagement in ZISWAF management and strengthen the impact of Islamic philanthropy.

The rise of humour in creative cuisines

This paper explores the diverse expressions and meanings of humour in contemporary creative cuisine restaurants, challenging the conventional idea that fine dining is incompatible with humour. Before examining culinary creations as potential mediums for humorous expression, the paper first traces the intellectualisation and artification of cuisine (Csergo & Cohen, 2012) and the development of new culinary paradigms (del Moral, 2020), such as “Nouvelle Cuisine” and modernist approaches led by Ferran Adrià. These shifts have redefined the role of chefs and encouraged the intentional use of culinary creations to evoke emotions, tell stories, and employ various tones, including humour. The article analyses forms of culinary humour from playful whimsy to dark sarcasm, through dishes from seven creative restaurants across Spain, Italy, the UK, and Denmark. Using semiotic analysis and observational methods, it demonstrates how humour strategically placed within tasting menus enhances dining experiences, which evolve into intellectually stimulating and memorable dining encounters. Humour emerges as a significant tool for chefs, allowing them to deliver food for thought (Adrià, 2010) thanks to interesting (Ulla, Aduriz, 2012) or even to shocking (Spence & Youssef, 2022) dishes or sequences, thus extending beyond “eatertainment”, and even the confines of the plate (Munk, 2021). This approach redefines the boundaries of fine dining, positioning tonalities in general and humour in particular as essential components of contemporary creative cuisines.

A Semiotic Analysis of Nationalism in Bakatsir's 'Biladaka Ya Hatta' through Riffaterre's Theory

This study analyzes Ali Ahmad Bakatsir’s Biladaka Ya Hatta using Michael Riffaterre’s semiotic theory to explore themes of nationalism during Indonesia’s independence struggle. The poem, rich in metaphor, enjambment, and symbolic language, portrays both the spiritual and political dimensions of Indonesia’s fight for freedom. Through Riffaterre’s heuristic and hermeneutic reading methods, the research uncovers how the poem's surface meanings evolve into deeper interpretations. Bakatsir’s strategic use of language highlight’s themes of patriotism and unity, with vivid imagery such as "heaven and lake" evoking Indonesia's natural beauty, and "the blowing storm of disaster" emphasizing the nation's enduring hardships. The poem’s intertextuality bridges classical Arabic literary traditions with Indonesia’s contemporary socio-political context, linking the fight for national identity to broader global struggles, including solidarity with Palestine. This fusion of cultural influences underlines the poem’s ongoing relevance in shaping national consciousness. Through Riffaterre’s semiotic framework, the study reveals how Biladaka Ya Hatta transcends mere patriotic sentiment, offering a complex, multilayered narrative of resistance and collective memory. The poem’s linguistic richness, interwoven with psychological and cultural significance, underscores its importance in both personal and national identity formation. The research demonstrates the enduring relevance of semiotic analysis in literary studies and its adaptability in exploring works that engage with themes of nationalism and social transformation.

The Harmony of Sharia and Tradition: A Study of Islamic Da’wah Values ​​in the Pa'bitte Passapu Dance of the Ammatoa Community

This study explores the integration of Islamic law (sharia) and local customs through the analysis of the Pa'bitte Passapu dance, a cultural expression of the Ammatoa community in Tanah Toa Village, Kajang District. Utilizing field research and Roland Barthes' cultural semiotic theory, this research reveals the denotative and connotative symbols within the dance movements. Data collection methods included observation, interviews, and documentation. The subjects of this study were the dancers of the Pa'bitte Pasapu dance, their trainers, and local government officials. The findings indicate that the Pa'bitte Passapu Dance embodies elements of harmony between sharia and da'wah, guiding society towards harmonious living. Denotatively, the dance features physical movements and visual symbols, such as spinning movements, fighting simulations, and the use of symbolic elements like chickens, which are part of the aesthetic performance. Connotatively, the dance conveys complex messages encompassing moral, social and ideological values. The study argues that the Pa'bitte Passapu Dance serves as a medium that connects sharia and art, providing entertainment while also reinforcing cultural identity and religious values within the Ammatoa community. This research highlights the importance of preserving local cultural expressions as a relevant and adaptive platform for preaching, while at the same time addressing local communities’ needs

THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE REIMAGINED: SATIRICAL CULTURAL REPRESENTATIONS IN TIGA ABDUL (1964)

Reinterpreting historical eras in film adaptations allows for the creative reshaping of past events, figures, and cultures to resonate with contemporary audiences. Filmmakers often blend historical accuracy with artistic expression, using historical settings as a platform to comment on modern societal dynamics, power structures, and cultural questions. In particular, historical contexts are frequently utilized to reinforce specific film genres, such as comedy. This paper explores the satirical portrayal of the Ottoman Empire in P. Ramlees film TigaAbdulwith the direct translation being Three Abdul(1964), a seminal work that adapts historical motifs to enhance its comedic narrative. Utilizing qualitative content analysis and cultural discourse methods, this study examines how P. Ramlee integrates elements of Ottoman culture and civilization into the films settings, characters, and narratives. Employing Roland Barthes semiotic analysis, the research deconstructs these cinematic elements to uncover the symbolic and satirical reinterpretations of Ottoman motifs. Findings reveal that P. Ramlees adaptation not only reflects the historical grandeur of the Ottoman Empire but also recontextualizes it as a satirical commentary, thereby amplifying the films comedic impact. This study highlights P. Ramlees innovative use of historical reimagination to engage audiences and sustain the relevance of comedic narratives across temporal and cultural boundaries.