Signifier

In semiotics, the signifier is the form that a sign takes. It's the perceivable part, the sound, image, or gesture that represents something else. It's not the meaning itself, but rather the vehicle that carries meaning. The relationship between a signifier and the signified (the concept or meaning) is often arbitrary and culturally dependent, as the same thing can be represented by different signifiers across different languages and societies. Understanding the signifier is crucial to deconstructing communication and analyzing how meaning is constructed and transmitted.

Signifier meaning with examples

• In the word 'dog', the sequence of sounds /dɒɡ/ acts as the signifier. It's the auditory form we use to represent the concept of a canine. Its arbitrary nature is evident as other languages use entirely different signifiers for the same animal, such as 'chien' in French or 'perro' in Spanish. The effectiveness of communication relies on a shared understanding of this signifier within a specific community.
• A red traffic light functions as a visual signifier. Its specific color and shape are the forms by which the sign communicates the directive to 'stop'. This is established through societal convention and shared experience. If a driver perceives a flashing red light, they can instantly recognize it as a warning sign, using the visual cue as the signifier to understand that some type of trouble is present.
• The sound of a ringing telephone serves as an auditory signifier. It’s the signal used to represent an incoming phone call, a call to pick up. The particular tone or pattern helps to differentiate it from other sounds and communicate a specific event that demands your attention. This is understood through learning the different aspects that go along with different tones and noises from the signifier.
• A handshake serves as a tactile signifier. It’s a physical act used to represent greetings, farewells, or agreements. The specific pressure, duration, and manner of the handshake can then communicate a variety of specific intentions or feelings. For example, the firm handshake could signify confidence, while a weak one could convey hesitancy. This then allows the signifier to communicate various meaning.