Ferdinand de Saussure: the Signifier and

Signified (media language)

By Priscilla Amponsah

Ferdinand de Saussure Born: November 26, 1857 in Geneva

(Switzerland) Died: Feburay 22, 1913 He was a Swiss linguist, where he was often

referred to as the founder of modern linguistics (study of nature/structure and a variation of language).

Wrote ’Course in General Linguistics’ - book. Here he explained that there is a relationship between speech and the development of language,  investigating language as a structured system of signs.

His study consisted of two part: concept of meaning and sound image (not reference to  spoken or written words, but to the mental impressions made on our senses by certain things, together with sound system of language creates ‘signs’ which he refers to)

Signifier and Signified: what does this actually mean?

The signifier: (this is the sign)- a word or image such as purple.

The signified: (meaning and associations) in which the sign refers to e.g. Purple is often associated with royalty and wealthy.

Signifier : physical Signified: mental conceptNo fixed rules between the two, where together they form the sign.

In depth: signifier

Words, both oral and written are known to be signifiers.

The brain then exchange the signifier for a working definition.

In context, the word ‘vampires’ for example is a signifier. Here you can associate horror films from what the brain substitutes for the word ‘vampires’.

In depth: Signified

What the signifier refers to (what it connotes). Here it points to the signified but has a deeper meaning.

A prime example of this can be seen with ‘vampires’= scary, supernatural, menacing, Dracula, bloodsucker, fangs ect..

Examples...

Signifier: Red dress Signifies: a symbol of love,

romantic, seductive, sexy, passion ect...

Signifier: Cross Signifies: symbol of religion,

hope, faith

Signifier: blood Signifies: symbol of evil,

vampire, death, horror movies, Halloween, hospital ect...