Today in class we discussed semiotics the study of language. I found it interesting in this discussion when we were shown symbols in the PowerPoint presentation such as the Exxon sign. Right away most of us thought gas because that was what we were taught in society that Exxon represents a gas station. We then went on to say that this symbol could also represent beer, directions, car trouble etc. It is interesting in this example to think how everything is related in some way in society to language. This idea of how we interpret different signs and symbols due to the way society has taught us to. When we show someone a sign we assume they are thinking the same thing as us when in reality that symbol may mean something different to them then you. In our society we learned that particular Exxon sign represents gas but when you showed us the original sign Exxon made before our generation we were all confused. This idea shows how language is always changing as time goes on. This shows how things progress and change over time. It also is interesting how one sign can mean many different things depending on the person who is looking at it showing how language is different to everyone. It shows us how our interpretation of language has a lot to do with how and when we grew up. After this class discussion on sign and signifiers it really made me look at how different things are represented and how content in language has a different impact person to person.
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