Signifier

A signifier is the sound or image of a word (i.e. the words "cat," "dog" and "mouse"). It upholds an arbitrary connection with the signifier as well as the sign. In other words, there is no logical connection between a signifier and a signified, but, there are social constructions that connect the two. An example would be the word "dog". The sound or image of the word "dog" will spark a category or idea about the word "dog" in someone's head. However, the word "dog" does not define or explain what a dog actually is - it is just a label attached to the animal. The word "dog" does not explain or embody any "dogness."

Background

The term comes from the study of semiotics - the study of sign processes and meaningful communication. The term came from Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure. The term - along with signifier - were utilized to aid in breaking down what a sign was.

Uses in other disciplines

Many terms are used beyond Media Studies or come from other fields, mention those here.

See also

Signified
Sign
Signifying system

References

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