Read the following passage and answer question:
The Swiss Linguist Ferdinand de Saussure is the founder of semiology, and the American philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce is the founder of semiotics – both sciences are involved with how to interpret signs. In recent years, in part to make life simpler for ourselves, we have taken to using the term semiotics to stand for both methods of analysing signs. But what is a sign? I will explain Saussure’s theories first and then deal with Peirce’s. For Saussure, the important thing to remember about signs is that they are made up of sounds and images, what he called signifiers, and the concepts these sounds and images bring to mind, what he called signifiers, and the concepts these sounds and images bring to mind, what he called signified … Words are signs, but so are many other things, such as facial expressions, body language, clothes, haircuts – you name it.
To a semiotician, everything can be taken for a sign … Saussure said there was something very important to remember about signs: The relation between signifier and signified is based on CONVENTION, IS ARBITARRY. The word tree and the large stemmed plant for which the word tree stands is not natural but historical, tied to conventions and choices that people made. He distinguished symbols from signs by saying that symbols, which he saw as a subcategory of signs, are not completely arbitrary …. What is important to remember is that symbols have enormous significance in our lives and play an important role in our thinking and behaviour. Peirce had a different system. He believed there were three different kinds of signs: icons, indexes, and symbols, Icons signify by resemblance, indexes signify on the basis of convention.
Q1. What do the semiotics and semiology mean?
(A) Both mean analysing of signs.
(B) Semiotics is theory and semiology is the interpretation of that theory.
(C) Semiotics studies signs while semiology creates models.
(D) Semiotics studies signs while semiology studies symbols.
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
Both semiotics and semiology focus on studying signs. While Ferdinand de Saussure introduced semiology, Charles Sanders Peirce developed semiotics. Over time, scholars started using the term semiotics for both fields. These disciplines examine how signs convey meaning in different contexts. Additionally, they analyze how people interpret symbols, images, and gestures.
In essence, both methods help in understanding communication beyond just words. Semiotics, therefore, plays a crucial role in media, advertising, and cultural studies.
Q2. Signifier means:
(A) Meaning
(B) Concepts
(C) Signs and symbols that one sees around
(D) A collection of signs and symbol
Correct Ans: (C)
Explanation:
A signifier refers to signs and symbols that people see around them. According to Saussure, signs consist of two parts: the signifier and the signified. The signifier includes sounds, images, or words, while the signified represents the concept or meaning they convey.
For example, a red traffic light is a signifier that tells drivers to stop. Similarly, a handshake serves as a signifier of greeting or agreement. These signs shape communication in daily life.
Q3. Facial expressions, hair cuts and body languages are known as
(A) Signs
(B) Meaning
(C) Semiotics
(D) Semiology
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
Facial expressions, haircuts, and body language all function as signs. People use them to express emotions, identities, and cultural affiliations. A smile, for example, signifies happiness, while a frown indicates displeasure.
Similarly, specific hairstyles can symbolize traditions or personal styles. Body language also plays a major role in non-verbal communication. Every movement or gesture carries meaning, making these elements essential in social interactions.
Q4. The connection between the signifiers and signified is
(A) Logical
(B) Arbitrary
(C) Calculations
(D) Theory oriented
Correct Ans: (B)
Explanation:
The connection between a signifier and its signified is arbitrary. This means no natural or logical link exists between a word and what it represents. Instead, societies create meanings based on convention.
For instance, the word “tree” does not naturally relate to the object. People have agreed to use this sound for the tall, leafy plant. Therefore, language evolves as communities shape meanings over time.
Q5. The symbol, according to Peirce is based on
(A) Customs
(B) Deductions
(C) Formula
(D) Relativism
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
According to Peirce, symbols rely on customs. Unlike icons and indexes, which have direct or natural meanings, symbols depend on cultural and historical traditions. People learn and recognize them through repeated use.
For example, a dove symbolizes peace, while a red heart represents love. These meanings are not universal but develop through shared customs and experiences. Hence, symbols hold great significance in human communication.
