Social Semiotic studies how images communicate meaning. It explores how visuals are created, what they express, and how people interpret them. Images are influenced by social, cultural, and political factors, not just what the creator's intent. Their meaning depends on both the creator's and viewer's beliefs and values. Social Semiotic are important because is shows how images and text work together to convey messages. It provides tools to analyze visuals and helps people better understand and use images in communication. Social semiotic was primarily developed by Micheal Halliday, and later expanded by Gunther Kress.
Some of the rules associated with social semiotic are that people understand the world through signs, which are shaped by social and cultural norms. The meaning of the signs can change depending on the context. Different signs can be used to create meaning and choosing one over another can alter that meaning. Images create meaning in three main ways:
- Representational Metafunction: Shows what the image is about by depicting people, places, and objects.
- Interpersonal Metafunction: Examines how the image connects with the viewer.
- Compositional Metafunction: Explains how the elements of the image work together to create a unified meaning.
Photo Placement Meaning:
Left vs. Right
- Left = familiar or known info.
- Right = new or unfamiliar ideas.
Top vs. Bottom
- Top = ideal, emotional, imaginative concepts.
- Bottom = real, practical, or factual info.
Center vs. Margins
- Center = most important or core info.
- Margins = less important or secondary info.
These rules are based on western cultural perspectives, so they might not apply universally.
Image analyze through Social Semiotics:
Interpersonal: The skateboarders gaze is not directed at the viewer, creating a sense of detachment. This position the viewer as an observer, focused on witnessing the skateboarders trick over the staircase.
Composition: The staircase serves as a solid structure, directing the attention to the skateboarder. The trees and blue sky in the background add an outdoor setting, enhancing the feeling of movement and being outside.
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| source: pacifichorticulture |
Interpersonal: The image creates a feeling of clam and a connection with nature. Without any people in the scene, it feels more peaceful and reflective.
Composition: The composition guides the viewers eyes through layers of plants and natural textures. The wooden fence and bench add structure to the scene, while the misty and shadows create depth and a mysterious atmosphere.
When I see the image of the lush garden, I hear these two songs playing:
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