What is Semiotic Theory?

Semiotic Theory focuses on the social and cultural meaning of codes and conventions,  the signs consist of an image/word/object or practice. Signs used can be presented in many different ways: image, word, video. We identify and respond to these signs by two terms which are Denotation and Connotation.


Denotation: 

Denotation is the literal or primary meaning behind a word, image or sign. 

 

Connotation:

Connotation is the idea that a word or a sign portrays for a person. It can set a tone or an emotional association that a word can have. It can be both negative and positive. A stop sign would be a connotation of danger.

Semiotic Theory in Music Magazines

 Analysing the front cover of this Kerrang Music Magazine, the denotation reveals that this Music Magazine has a rock artist focus. 

 

On the  cover is a picture of Paramore singer Hayley  Williams with two fingers up to the camera to help aid with the sub heading "Young rebels". House style colours are red, black and white. The expression on her face shows that she just doesn't care and has an attitude  and makes it look like the artist has direct control over the magazine especially with a  large image of the artist with a black background to give off an impression of power and this is further  done by the large image of the artist with a black background to make her stand out then the large bold text is placed on top.