Topic > The role of semiotics, hermeneutics and rhetoric in understanding a text

The texts provided by authors and what readers understand may not be the same at first. This is due to background knowledge and perspective, but constructed definitions can be modified by paying close attention to the internal structure of texts. Semiotics, hermeneutics and rhetoric are the main things that regulate the viewer's understanding. Understanding can be perceived by signs, language and how we interpret them. We could say that rhetoric focuses on the way the writer expresses his thoughts on the message. Meanwhile, hermeneutics is about the relationship between recipients and texts, and semiotics are signs and symbols. Semiotics is the study of how we use and interpret certain signs and symbols. These are relevant examples such as physical signs and abstract concepts, known as denotation and connotation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First, there is a lot to explain about signifier and signified. The signifier is a physical form of signs such as sounds, words and images that lead to the understanding of communication. They could be images, spoken words, or even a string of letters. Meaning is an idea that a signifier refers to and depends on who you are. For example, the signifier of the "Instagram" application is Instagram itself, otherwise, in terms of meaning it could mean social media and some people may consider it as entertainment or a way to stay in touch with their friends and family. Another example is an apple. In terms of signifier it is a round red fruit, but in signification, which is a mental concept, it could symbolize health or education. Furthermore, there are three different categories of signs in the signifier. It is composed of icon, symbol and index. Icon is similar in meaning in that it is a representation of something, such as a picture of a bicycle. We always immediately think of the bicycle when we see it. There is no need for words to express the definition of the object. The icon is opposite to the symbol, it has no resemblance to the signifier that is represented. The symbol provides the explanation for why different unique traits can emerge in cultures, and we learn what the symbol means over time. Often it is an image or action that means more than its exact meaning, such as a dove being a symbol of peace and the heart representing love. Furthermore, the color red represents romance, blood or even the devil.