Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and their use or interpretation. A sign is made up of the signified and the signifier:
Signified: The initial meaning that is given to the sign.
Signifier: The visual sign, image, icon.
Denotation: The literal meaning of the sign.
Connotation: Implied/associated meaning based on shared understanding within culture.
Iconic signs: signs where the signifier resembles the signified, e.g., a picture, map.
Indexical Signs: signs where the signifier is caused by the signified, e.g., smoke signifies fire.
Symbolic (arbitrary) signs: signs where the relation between signifier and signified is purely conventional and culturally specific, e.g., most words.
Myths: a combination of paradigms and syntagms that make up an oft-told story with elaborate cultural associations.
Codes: a combination of semiotic systems, a supersystem, that function as general maps of meaning, belief systems about oneself and others, which imply views and attitudes about how the world is and/or ought to be. Codes are where semiotics and social structure and values connect.
"We take the stars from Heaven, the red from out mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing liberty."
