What is Semiotics? Why is the sky blue? And just what is a tomato?

To ask what Semiotics is, one must first question reality. What is? What isn't? What makes a tomato a tomato? How do you know what anything is?

And... just why is the sky blue?

Well, to answer the last question first: the sky is blue because molecules in the air scatter blue light from the sun more than they scatter red light.

What does this have to do with Semiotics? Nothing. Whoops.

So, then what is reality? Is it anything more than a collection of thoughts, ideas, and concepts? Or is it a collection of physical objects, that we strive to provide meaning for? Just how do we apply meaning to this physical word that surrounds us? Because as we apply a layer of meaning to everything, we see the birth of spoken word, civilization, written word, communication, and ultimately: semiotics.

So just what is Semiotics?

Semiotics is the study of signs, signifiers, and their signified concept. A signifier is a form that can take shape in a word, a symbol, an image, a noise, anything. It's the text. The signified concept is the ultimate end: it's the concept that the signifier represents. Together, the signifier and signified co-exist to create a sign. And we use signs every day.

So, what makes a tomato a tomato?

Well, let's consider the word itself: tomato. The word is, in itself, a signifier. It's signified concept is a lone tomato, sitting by itself, a pristine red fruit. In most cases, a signifier will have multiple (if not many) signified concepts. Other signified concepts could be a farm, it could be a supermarket, or it could be a BLT. But, in general, the direct relation between an actual "tomato" and the word "tomato" is what make up the sign.

There is other ways it could be the same signified concept, but have a different signifier: A drawing of a tomato; the sound of a tomato being squished; or even just the letter "T" when you order a "BLT". These are all different signifiers for the same concept.

In the end, semiotics is a theory about how we apply meaning, language, and signs to everything in our life. It's how we communicate. We use symbols and signs everywhere, all the time. Every word we speak signifies something. It's hard to avoid seeing Semiotics come to life around you once you've learned just what the theory is.

For a more in depth look into semiotics, I highly recommend reading Semiotics for Beginners by Daniel Chandler.

But, for the real reason you've read this blog: just what the heck is a tomato? Is it a fruit or a vegetable? Well, you should ask an expert, because I certainly don't know!

Matt Richards
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