Different Uses Of Semiotics

Did you know that the study of signs existed since the Greek era? Since the beginning of humanity, signs have been part of our language; as a form of this expression term is called “semiotics”. This term it does not to be confused with Semiology which is a subset of semiotics. Also, it includes the study of signs and sign processes, indication, designation and others. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Semiotics are the study of signs and symbols what they mean, and how they are used. In other words, semiotics studies three principal aspects: Signs as a type of communication, behavior as an expression, and processes that involves signs.

Today, people can find different activities that use signs in communication. An activity that is commonly practiced is the speech of deaf-mutes. It is made of signs that they perform with their hands. When a person born or does not have the skill to use verbal communication, sign language becomes an extraordinary option when communicating with others. Another activity is the use of mind maps as a method of study. According to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), mind maps are one os the best ways to study when a person has visual ability. Even the earliest educational methods for children in schools involves drawing to remember color and shapes. In short, all the activities that include colors, drawing shapes and sign language can be used as an indirect form of communication.

On the other hand, semiotics are used to express emotions to a person or situation. Body language is a branch of semiotic as it conveys more information than the individual can provide with words; this technique is widely used in psychology. For example, when a person roll their eyes or yawn in class, teachers know how the person is feeling. In fact, some people are in charge of studying body language in companies, even before recruiting someone. Another example is when people sweats, he or she is either nervous or is lying. To conclude, semiotics can also reflect people’s emotions or gestures in every situation that they are involved.

Another study of semiotics is that one which involves sign processes. Traffic signs are objects that send a direct message to any person who sees it. They have their origin in the year 1900, when car clubs began to be formed in the United States; since that moment the “stop”or “don’t park” icon are the ones responsibles to maintain control on the streets. Some other process that involves semiotics is the use of advertisements in the world of marketing. For example, people use fruits and vegetables in advertisements to sell “health” because vegetables have a great feast of energy, vitamins and minerals. However, it represents an advertising scam when these elements are used to refer a product or service that has nothing to do with it. In other words, Semiotics also cover all processes that involve logos or even advertisements.

Linguists have the hard work of researching and recognizing every linguistic and cultural resource that comes along in their career; in the case of Semiotics is amplified by its linguistic, grammatical an visual varieties. Furthermore, semiotics are an important part of the learning as it illustrates the different ways in which a language sign can be studied or used in the everyday life. To finalize, I believe that the way people use colors, shapes, expressions, and emotions is fundamental to understand the uses of semiotics.