What Does It Mean to Make Meaning?

A large part of interpersonal communication is interaction, as well as the process of interpretation and making meaning of the messages we receive. First, what does it mean to complete an interaction? Through mediated and non mediated communication, we send and receive messages constantly. For a message to be considered an interaction, it requires some type of response. This may be through nonverbal or verbal reactions. But where, between receiving the message and interpreting it, do we make meaning? 

We make meaning through signs and symbols of various types. A sign is a representation of a concept or feeling. Now, the idea of signs and symbols goes beyond simply street signs- it goes beyond images and includes words. Signs are a representation of a concept or feeling, and help us make connections between things and interpretations of the world around out. Now, this is a confusing subject to wrap your head around. It’s semiotics. Let me explain.

As Gertrude Stein depicts in “A rose is a rose is a rose”, a sign is the association of the signifier with the signified

            Signifier: a symbol, sound, or image that gives meaning

            Signified: the concept the signified represents.

In class we used the word tree. The word itself, tree, does not represent a particular tree, or kind of tree, but it represents what the very concept, or idea, of a tree is. A painting of a tree is still not an actual tree, but of the symbol of the concept it represents. Confusing right? Take a look at a few of these pictures.

"This is not a pipe"

And this is not a tree

In media, the use of certain words and phrases shape how we interpret news stories and messages we receive. Our class discussed this example from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. When we become aware of what is going on in media and the world around us, it becomes easy to see how a careful choice of words can shape the way we perceive and interpret information. You tell me... Was he finding, or were they looting, too?

Thanks for reading, everyone! Will be back soon for more media discussions.