Semiotic Analysis - Report Example

Semiotic Analysis: Wayne Rooney Image Name Institution Introduction Semiotics, according to Van (2005), refers to the study of signs and representative practice. Semiotics is linked to construction of meaning, or the manner in which representation within the broad sense of objects, images and language generates meanings. It also refers to the processes through which, meaning is construed and attributed (Maran, 2003). When it comes to visual images, semiotics describes an inquiry into the symbolism and application of semiotics analysis, which consists of three principles. First is realism, which denotes the idea that images can represent something. Second intentionality, which denote the idea that meanings assigned to images reflect the perception of their creators. Third and last, is the principle of naturalism. In which case, semiotics provides a valuable perspective on formalist analysis, or the idea that meaning is less significant to the relationship between the various elements of an image. In effect, semiotic analysis acknowledges the changeable relationships in representations and hence images can be understood as dynamic (Hansen, 2009). This implies that the significance of the image may not be understood as a one-way process from the image to the individual. Based on this background, this essay shows that in semiotic analysis of image, an image should be construed to be an outcome of intricate relationships between the image, an individual and the cultural factors. To carry out semiotic analysis, the essay focuses on the ideology, signs, and mise-en-scene behind each aspect of the illustration. The image represents a white bare-chested male wearing a red cross-like shaped painting that runs arm-length, as well as from the head to the edge of the abdomen. Discussion Semiotic analysis of an image is congruent to the presented ideological, symbolic and Mise-en-scene representation of an image (Maran 2003). The social and cultural process can be deduced with careful description, as well as with literal placing of the proposed projection of the image. Semiotic analysis of the image may be carried out through analysis of Mise-en-scene, signs and ideology. Mise-en-scene Hodsdon (1999) believes that in mise-en-scene, establishing a precise complex of combination and characters or a set of connections of relationships appears suspended within space. To this end, an image is essentially a representation of a character or set of face, world, object, or hand. This also implies that mise-en-scene can be viewed to be a means of changing the world into a manifestation assigned primarily to oneself. According to Maran (2003), mise-en-scene consists of the mystifying energy that sustains the spin of shadows and light with varied felicities. In the present image, it is mise-en-scene that a viewer’s attention is set. In the presented image, a man is seen with arms fully stretched out. A red cross-like shaped painting runs arm-length from the head to the stomach. The signs and signification used in the illustration assist in representing a wide understanding of the likely period of the presentation and cultural background. What is striking about the image is particularly the red cross that runs across the chest and downwards. The solitary image of a man also helps to establish a stronger focal point on the moment of the capture in comparison to many characters (MathWorks Discovery, 2014). The male character’s clenched fists denote that the concept of potency as it could be interpreted that the man in the picture holds power. While the fist could be interpreted to symbolize absolute resolve and strength, the facial expression reveals a strong will and character. This is explained by the fact that the image is characteristically bold, while the facial expression has no tinge of fear. Rather, it reveals a character who is daring, audacious and heroic. Therefore, it can be reasoned that the relevance of the images could be to promote audaciousness and brevity, since the two are the key values promoted by the image. Therefore, the image appeals to youthfulness as a universal value, as well as a quality every young man should have. The present image is also seen as reassuring of youthfulness and audaciousness, as well as the attributes that stands in stark contrast to vanity in youth. The man in the picture has more power. This is showed by his glamorous exuberance and smile that exudes senses of self-assurance and authority. Signs A sign is essentially an entity, such as images, words or objects that represents something else (Maran, 2003). This also implies that the image of the young man with arms stretched out may have radically divergent meanings dependent on how and where it is viewed. Van (2005) argues that images or objects will often transmit their messages by attempting to expose the social and cultural divergences that standout in a society or social formations by constructing the consciousness of the society. The idea is shared by Hershberger (2014), who also pointed to the fact that a focal point of any image analysis, should be the ‘sign’ through which, meaning has to be construed. In a related analysis, Van (2005) showed that a sign is divisible into two principle aspects of signifier: the shape taken by the sign takes, and what the sign connoted or denotes. Therefore, the quality of a good image is one that stands out and clearly passes the intended meaning. If the image has to represent audacity, daringness, heroism or boldness, then the meaning has to be clearly relayed (Wolfram Language & System, 2014). The key signs of the image lie within the red coloration on the chest, arms, face and thorax of the character. The second key sign is presented on the right corner at the bottom preceded by the words “Just Do It’ with a Nike logo (Jagadeesh, 2013). The iconic symbol is that of the English flag, which is presented by the red paint running across the character’s body. While it may not necessarily represent a country where the character hails, it gives the assurance or a bold country. The signified signs splitting up from the signifier are seen in the apparent enthusiastic facial expression and the flag representation. The cross marking and colour signify the latter while the former signifies satisfaction, moment of great achievement, vigour and exuberance in addition to the label found on the bottom right. Signs can be interpreted using two perspectives: denotation and connotation. Denotation is the literal meaning construed from the sign while connotation is the social-cultural associations linked to the sign (Rigotti & Rocci, 2006). The connotative aspect of the image can be construed through the flag’s representation. The flag promotes and alludes to the conviction of the pride and strength that individuals from England should be seen to possess. The secondary meaning emanates from the character’s symbolism of England. Secondly, while the wordings “Just Do It” are a trademark catchword of Nike sportswear and equipment manufacture, they have connotative sense that fortify the belief that people can attain whatever they intend to do (Jagadeesh, 2013). The image’s denotative aspect is also presented by the label words “Just Do It.” It displays the mental resolve and strength to attain the intended projection of strong will and fortitude. An additional denotative aspect is depicted by the muscular posture to the external surrounding and clenched fist. The muscular and core aspects denote provision of great might and power from the character. Ideology In respect to ideological aspect of an image, Rinehart et al (2013) states that in structuralism, structure and the worldviews are critical aspects for semiotic analysis. In this sense, the structure is the sets of arrangements of worldviews. Realizing this concept, according Rinehart et al (2013), calls for reconstruction of human modelling capacity in matters of factuality and reality. In a related review, Petrilli (2007) suggests that in the modern-day society, some cultures are perceivable where the deeper layers of language can be observed, and where creation of the world social beliefs, attitudes or convictions are facilitated through worldviews. The aspects of ideology are profoundly reflected in the image. As constructed from the image, it could be argued that the worldview the image reasserts is that England is stereotypically a strong, bold and heroic nation in sporting events. The Nike sign, a symbol of sporting, facilitate the combined meaning of a gallant nation when it comes to sporting events. The stereotype of determination and strong will is also constructed to reflect the archetypical traits of England. By clenching the fits, the worldview of daringness to confront adversaries with resolute bravery and application of faculties, resources and might is also reflected. In a practical world, the world view of England as a brave and daring nation has been shared historically (Maran, 2003). In another sense, the specific viewpoint of England’s determination is seen as being both privileged and valued almost simultaneously (Wolfram Language & System 2014). The concept of being privileged is evident in the fact that natural abilities, strength and resources to leverage a competitive edge or bargain to facilitate success attributable to the hard work and bravery of the nation’s patriotic youth. Next, it is valued in the sense that the point of view may be unique to England other than being shared by other nations. The worldview of strong-willed determination and triumph is also promoted by the image. In a practical world, winners in a game or test of might often show triumph by showing exuberance and stretching out arms in jubilant celebration. These aspects are derivable from the image. Indeed, Bell (2004) suggests that the viewpoint of resolute determination and triumph and sensation is strongly endorsed through England’s’ sovereignty and heroism in world affairs, including sports. The virtue of patriotism and the worldview that England is emblematic of a nation patriots or nationalistic people is also reflected in the image (England Forever, 2014). Indeed, this could explain why the male character in the image is topless and wears the national colours artistically imaged on the face, chest and arms. By clenching the fists, it indicates that English men are known to uphold the ethos and national values in relatively extremist ways compared to other countries while pursuing competitive goals (Jagadeesh, 2013). Indeed, this meaning is emphasized by the Nike logo and the slogan “Just Do It,” which strengthen the worldview that the English men are naturally motivated to attain victory. Conclusion In semiotic analysis of image, an image should be construed to be an outcome of intricate relationships between the image, an individual and the cultural factors. As established, semiotic analysis of an image is congruent to the presented ideological, symbolic and Mise-en-scene representation of an image. Semiotic analysis of the image is carried out through analysis of Mise-en-scene, signs and ideology. It is concluded that the image promote the concept of victory, potency, daring, audacious and heroic. The image is also construed through the representation of England’s flag, which brings out the ideological world view of England as strong, bold, and heroic nation. References Bell, M. (2004). The Worldview Of Franklin D. Roosevelt: France, Germany, And United States Involvement In World War Ii In Europe. Retrieved: England Forever. (2014). England’s Flag. Retrieved from Hansen, A. (2009). Mass communication research methods. London: SAGE. Hershberger, A. E. (2014). Photographic theory: An historical anthology. Chischester: RWLE Publications. Hodsdon, B. (1999). 'The mystique of mise-en-scene revisited. The Australian Journal of Media & Culture 5(2), 1-11 Jagadeesh, K. (2013). The Story behind Nike’s Just Do It Tagline. Retrieved from: Maran, T. (2003). Mimesis as a phenomenon of semiotic communication. Sign Systems Studies 31(1), 191-215 MathWorks Discovery. (2014). Image Processing Techniques for Image Analysis. Retrieved from Petrilli, S. (2007). Structure and Structuralism in Philosophy of Language and Semiotics. Retrieved: Rinehart, R., Barbourn K. & Pope, C. (2013). Ethnographic Worldviews: Transformations and Social Justice. New York: Springer Science & Business Media Rigotti, E., & Rocci, A. (2006). Denotation versus Connotation. Sussex: Spindle. Van, L. T. (2005). Introducing social semiotics. London: Routledge. Wolfram Language & System. (2014). Image Processing &Analysis. Retrieved from Read More

The male character’s clenched fists denote that the concept of potency as it could be interpreted that the man in the picture holds power. While the fist could be interpreted to symbolize absolute resolve and strength, the facial expression reveals a strong will and character. This is explained by the fact that the image is characteristically bold, while the facial expression has no tinge of fear. Rather, it reveals a character who is daring, audacious and heroic. Therefore, it can be reasoned that the relevance of the images could be to promote audaciousness and brevity, since the two are the key values promoted by the image.

Therefore, the image appeals to youthfulness as a universal value, as well as a quality every young man should have. The present image is also seen as reassuring of youthfulness and audaciousness, as well as the attributes that stands in stark contrast to vanity in youth. The man in the picture has more power. This is showed by his glamorous exuberance and smile that exudes senses of self-assurance and authority. Signs A sign is essentially an entity, such as images, words or objects that represents something else (Maran, 2003).

This also implies that the image of the young man with arms stretched out may have radically divergent meanings dependent on how and where it is viewed. Van (2005) argues that images or objects will often transmit their messages by attempting to expose the social and cultural divergences that standout in a society or social formations by constructing the consciousness of the society. The idea is shared by Hershberger (2014), who also pointed to the fact that a focal point of any image analysis, should be the ‘sign’ through which, meaning has to be construed.

In a related analysis, Van (2005) showed that a sign is divisible into two principle aspects of signifier: the shape taken by the sign takes, and what the sign connoted or denotes. Therefore, the quality of a good image is one that stands out and clearly passes the intended meaning. If the image has to represent audacity, daringness, heroism or boldness, then the meaning has to be clearly relayed (Wolfram Language & System, 2014). The key signs of the image lie within the red coloration on the chest, arms, face and thorax of the character.

The second key sign is presented on the right corner at the bottom preceded by the words “Just Do It’ with a Nike logo (Jagadeesh, 2013). The iconic symbol is that of the English flag, which is presented by the red paint running across the character’s body. While it may not necessarily represent a country where the character hails, it gives the assurance or a bold country. The signified signs splitting up from the signifier are seen in the apparent enthusiastic facial expression and the flag representation.

The cross marking and colour signify the latter while the former signifies satisfaction, moment of great achievement, vigour and exuberance in addition to the label found on the bottom right. Signs can be interpreted using two perspectives: denotation and connotation. Denotation is the literal meaning construed from the sign while connotation is the social-cultural associations linked to the sign (Rigotti & Rocci, 2006). The connotative aspect of the image can be construed through the flag’s representation.

The flag promotes and alludes to the conviction of the pride and strength that individuals from England should be seen to possess. The secondary meaning emanates from the character’s symbolism of England. Secondly, while the wordings “Just Do It” are a trademark catchword of Nike sportswear and equipment manufacture, they have connotative sense that fortify the belief that people can attain whatever they intend to do (Jagadeesh, 2013). The image’s denotative aspect is also presented by the label words “Just Do It.

” It displays the mental resolve and strength to attain the intended projection of strong will and fortitude. An additional denotative aspect is depicted by the muscular posture to the external surrounding and clenched fist.

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