Signifier
From Geography
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Revision as of 09:31, 13 September 2011
The term 'signifier'is derived from Saussure's 'theory of the sign. He stated that the sign was made up by a matcehd pair of signifier and the signified, together they both form the core elements of semiotics.
Saussure said the signifier's are the first element. The signifier is specifically the form, the object the noise or the sense that prompts the individual to interpret their own meaning. The interpretation is the signified and is drawn from personal knowledge and experiences related to the signifier. This means that each individual will create a different 'signified'from the same 'signifier'due to our different experiences.
For example, in geography, if referrign to the country of Holland, the signifier in this case, each person will automatically interpret the word based on their different knowledge and experiences of the county to creat the 'signified'.
References
Hall, S. (1997). Representation: cultural representations and signifying practices. London: Sage publications.
Gibson, Graham, J.K. (2000). Poststructural Interventions. Oxford: Blackwell.
http://changingminds.org/explanations/critical_theory/concepts/signifier_signified.htm
Published By: Catherine Hughes and Laura Brunning 13/9/11
