What Is Language? What Is Language?

LANGUAGE Everything is language is a system of symbols that have meaning attached Everything is language because everything has meaning Words we speak Words we write Gestures we make Things we wear Things we build Language is a system of symbols that have meaning attached to them. These symbols can be the words we speak, the words we write or read, gestures we make, things we wear, things we build. In short, everything is language because we can interpret everything as having meaning.

Signifiers Signifieds Chair Language is made up of signifiers and signifieds. For example, the word “chair” is a signifier, and the object intended for the use of sitting is the signified. Here’s another example. If your name is Tony and I say, “HEY TONY!” then the name “Tony” is the signifier, and you as a person in reality that I can point to or shake hands with, is the signified. “Tony”

Signifiers Signifieds I want to leave Looking at cell phone Let’s look at a broader example. If I’m talking to you and you keep checking the time on your cell phone it probably means you must, or want to, leave soon. You looking at your cell phone is the signifier, you wanting to leave soon is the signified.

Your outfit may communicate the following: Signifiers Signifieds Attire at interview Your outfit may communicate the following: You don’t understand how job interviews work You don’t understand the importance of appearance You don’t want the job You’re not going to be good at the job Let’s look at one more broad example. If you show up to a job interview and the position you’re applying for is pharmaceutical sales, and let’s say you’re wearing a T-shirt with your favorite band on the front, jeans, and sandals. Your outfit is a type of language because it communicates something. In this case it could communicate a few things: You don’t understand how job interviews work, or you don’t understand the importance of appearance, or you don’t really want the job, or you’re not going to be good at the job. How you’re dressed is the signifier, what it communicates is the signified.

SIGNIFIERS = Words SIGNIFIEDS = Meanings Think of signifiers as words. In fact, think of everything as words. Think of the signifieds as meanings to those words.

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