Quest for Meaning: A Guide to Semiotic Theory and Practice

Dating back to antiquity, semiotics is a technique and science that aims to understand the nature of meaning. It uses signs, such as words and symbols, to think, communicate, reflect, transmit, and preserve knowledge. The second edition includes a comprehensive chapter on the use of semiotics in the Internet age, written in a student-friendly style.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 216 pages
\n Publication date: 09 September 2020
\n Publisher: University of Toronto Press
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Dating back to antiquity, semiotics is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses both a technique and a science. It seeks to unravel the intricate nature of meaning and its various manifestations. As an academic discipline in its own right, semiotics employs a wide range of signs, including words and symbols, to facilitate thought, communication, reflection, transmission, and preservation of knowledge.

Since the initial publication of "The Quest for Meaning" in 2007, the world has undergone a significant transformation. The advent of online culture, new technologies, and innovative ways of creating and interpreting signs and symbols have reshaped the landscape. In response to these evolving dynamics, the second edition of this book has been thoroughly updated to reflect these changes.

Written in a student-friendly style, the book employs examples from everyday life to elucidate the core concepts of semiotics. It explains what semiotics is all about and why it holds immense importance in gaining insights into the enigmatic and complex nature of human beings.

Throughout its pages, semiotics explores the profound ways in which language, symbols, and images shape our perception, interpretation, and communication of the world. It delves into the mechanisms by which meanings are constructed, transmitted, and interpreted, shedding light on the diverse ways in which humans communicate and interact with one another.

By examining the role of semiotics in various fields, such as literature, art, advertising, and media, the book offers valuable insights into the ways in which meaning is created, manipulated, and consumed. It helps readers develop a critical understanding of the messages conveyed through these various forms of communication and encourages them to engage with them more critically.

Moreover, semiotics extends beyond the realm of human communication and explores the broader cultural and societal implications of meaning. It examines how symbols and signs are used to construct and maintain social identities, power structures, and cultural norms. By analyzing the ways in which meaning is produced and reproduced, semiotics provides a framework for understanding the complex dynamics of society and culture.

In conclusion, semiotics is a fascinating and dynamic discipline that offers a wealth of insights into the nature of meaning. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply someone interested in exploring the deeper dimensions of human communication, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the field. By employing a student-friendly style and real-world examples, it enables readers to grasp the core concepts of semiotics and apply them to their own lives and experiences.

\n Weight: 322g\n
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781487523510\n \n