Semiotics

Barthes theory of semiotics:

This is the study of the meaning of signs. Barthes theory of semiotics is that we put a meaning behind each sign we see and that because we each have a different expirence everyone will perceive a sign differently from each other. A sign can be any physical fom that we can see.

The physical form is known as the signifier and the meaning behind it is called the signified.

This theory is commonly used for the denotation or connotation of a sign.

Denotation: What the sign is 

Connotation: What the sign could mean

 For example: the denotation of the picture to the left is a dove but the connotation is peace and freedom