Semiotics: Paradigms & Syntagms

• semiotics is the study of signs
• paradigm
• syntagm
• changes in one or more signs can alter the whole meaning of an image

PARADIGM

• set of signs that all have something in common
• examples: the alphabet (symbol), math symbols

3 TYPES OF SIGN:

• Symbols: you only understand because you have learned it
• Index: has a direct connection with something else (e.g. blood = cut. smoke = fire)
• Icon: looks like something (picture of a bird = not a bird, but looks like one)

SYNTAGM

• a combination of signs
• examples: word/sentences, equations, style of dress, music
• types of shot, types of transition, what makes up a genre

SUBSTITUTION

• if you're not sure what a sign might mean, think about changing it to another sign from the same paradigm. e.g.: changing the expression on someone's face can change the meaning of the piece, which can give you an idea of what the original meaning may be/tells you what it doesn't mean.