Semiotic Theory

In our media lesson we learned about a theory called 'Semiotic Theory'. 'Semiotic Theory' was created by a man called Saussure, who found that the human brain analyses' pictures and colours, and then decided what the overall message of something is.

Saussure decided that there were three things which allow us to decide on a piece of media. The three things work as shown below -

a sign (maybe a colour or an object) + a signifier (maybe a piece of music or dialogue) = a signified process

An example on how this theory works is as follows - if it was raining outside (a sign), and somebody was listening to moody music (a signifier), then what is signified as a result would be depression and death. Another example of this theory would be - if it was sunny outside (a sign), and somebody was listening to pop/ chart music (a signifier), then your brain would see as a result happiness, and enjoyment.

For my music magazine, I am going to look at chart music (music which is currently on the UK Top 40). To do this, I am going to use bright colours, and an image of an artist who is currently in the UK Top 40 (although I am not sure yet which artist it will be).