LitPhil-G2-Structuralism_Semiotics-Theory PDF

Literature of the Philippines BS Accountancy – 2B GROUP 2: ABULENCIA, Kathirine ALCACHUPAS, Edrian Angelo ARCENAL, Jasmin Kate MARQUEZ, Irish Joy TOLENTINO, Yancy Faith STRUCTURALISM / SEMIOTICS THEORY 1. Brief History / Description...

Literature of the Philippines BS Accountancy – 2B GROUP 2: ABULENCIA, Kathirine ALCACHUPAS, Edrian Angelo ARCENAL, Jasmin Kate MARQUEZ, Irish Joy TOLENTINO, Yancy Faith STRUCTURALISM / SEMIOTICS THEORY 1. Brief History / Description Definition Semiotics - a branch of communication and study of signs and symbols. Structuralism - an intellectual movement began in Europe that concerned with structures that shapes meaning. Rise of Semiotics (late 19th-early 20th century The modern form of semiotics took shape because of two great thinkers, mainly; 1. Ferdinand de Saussure (1857-1915) - a Swiss linguist. He called his study as ‘semiology’. His ideas was compiled in "Course in General Linguistics," emphasizing the distinction between 'langue' (the underlying system of language) and 'parole' (speech). His concept of semiology laid the groundwork for understanding how language functions as a system of signs. 2. Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914) - an American philosopher. He first coined the term ‘semiotics’, where as his formal doctrine of signs was closely related to logic. Rise of Structuralism (mid- 20th century) Structuralism emerged as an intellectual movement in France, that was influenced by Saussure's idea. Key thinkers: 1. Claude Lévi-Strauss (1908-2009): - A French anthropologist, he applied structuralist principles to culture and mythology, arguing that structures shapes human societies. 2. Roland Barthes (1915-1980): - A crucial figure in the application of semiotics to literature and culture, mainly in his book entitled "Mythologies". He explored how cultural texts convey meaning and his critics promoted the idea that text's meaning is constructed through reader's interpretation.  Literature of the Philippines Semiotic/Structuralism Theory - A framework for interpreting meaning in language, texts, and cultural practices. - Semiotics examines the characteristics and functions of signs, whereas structuralism uses these insights to investigate larger structures within language, culture, and society. 2. Defining Features Structuralism is concerned with structures: Structuralism is focused on identifying the deep structures that govern how things work, particularly in language, literature, and culture. When analyzing a text, a structuralist critic looks for the underlying rules or patterns in the story. These patterns could include recurring themes, plot structures, or character relationships. Structuralism has linguistic background: Structuralism is rooted in linguistics, especially the ideas of Ferdinand de Saussure, who said that meaning comes from the relationships between words (or signs), not the words themselves. In literary analysis, you would look at how different elements in the text (like characters, symbols, or settings) relate to each other to create meaning, instead of focusing on individual meanings of words. Example: If a story uses light and dark imagery, a structuralist would analyze how these two opposing ideas create meaning together, like light symbolizing hope and darkness representing fear. Structuralism is anti-humanist: Structuralism argues that meaning doesn’t come from the individual writer. Instead, writers draw from existing cultural and linguistic systems, so their work is shaped by these larger forces rather than personal expression. When looking at a text, you wouldn’t focus on what the author was thinking or trying to express. Instead, you would see how the story fits into existing cultural structures or genres. Structuralism connects individual texts to broader patterns, such as genres and mythological structures: In this approach, the text is analyzed not as an isolated entity, but as part of a larger, recognizable structure or framework. A critic would examine how the story fits into established narrative patterns, like the hero's journey or common genre conventions (e.g., tragedy, romance, comedy). For example, if analyzing a film, the critic might compare its plot to the traditional “hero’s journey,” noting how the protagonist follows familiar stages like the call to adventure, trials, and eventual return home. By situating the text within this broader structure, the critic uncovers how the story communicates meaning through its alignment with or deviation from universal patterns. This method also helps to explain why  Literature of the Philippines certain elements resonate with readers or viewers, they may recognize the underlying structure even if it's not explicitly stated. Language is a structured system governed by specific rules rather than being a natural reflection of thought: In structuralism, the analysis of language involves recognizing that it operates within defined structures and rules, which are essential for understanding how meaning is constructed. When a structuralist critic analyzes a text, they focus on identifying these underlying patterns that govern the use of language. Moreover, the critic might analyze recurring motifs and themes, looking at how they are systematically woven throughout the text. By identifying these patterns, the critic can illustrate how they contribute to the overall meaning of the work. For instance, if a theme of "betrayal" recurs in different contexts, the critic can discuss how this systematic repetition enriches the narrative, revealing insights about human relationships or societal values. Various systems of signs like visual images and sounds that function according to their own rules, similar to the principles of language: In applying this feature to analysis, the critic looks at how various non-verbal signs (such as images, sounds, or symbols) work together to create meaning, much like words and sentences in a written text. Semiotic analysis can be used to examine visual or cultural texts, such as films, advertisements, or even fashion, by treating these elements as structured systems of signs. For example, in a film, the critic might analyze how lighting, color, and camera angles serve as signs that communicate emotions, themes, or character relationships. This feature is particularly useful in analyzing non-verbal texts, where meaning is conveyed through signs other than words. The critic treats these elements as structured and systematic, much like language, and decodes their meaning within the context of the text as a whole. 3. Example Analysis Using structuralist theory to examine the story of Noli Me Tangere, we can see a structural pattern of colonialism and power. The friars can be viewed as colonial power, while the natives and Crisostomo Ibarra can be regarded as oppressed natives. Instead of emphasizing a single story, we can view it as a structure. We can also see narrative structures like the distinction between the church and a threat to the church, such as Ibarra. The church's power is unquestionable, whereas anyone who opposes it is referred to as threatening. The theory was used in the novel to form meaning not only on the actions and events of each chapter but as a whole story. In our generation, we now have these accumulated ideas regarding the novel—we are exposed to this genre, thus we know what different words mean from different perspectives. We can now define words because we understand its whole structure. Thorough Analysis/Explanation of the Example: Noli Me Tangere by Dr. Jose Rizal Genre: Satire, Historical Fiction, Novel  Literature of the Philippines Main Story in simple terms: To show the lives of the oppressed Filipinos under the hands of the Spaniards and the love story between Crisostomo and Maria Clara The word oppression cannot be defined as oppression without knowing its underlying concept such as freedom or democracy. The word love cannot be defined as love without knowing the concept or feeling of hate. In Noli Me Tangere, why were the Filipinos opposed to the church? Why were they so mad with the Spanish colonizers? ○ Because unfair collection of taxes were imposed that were consequently going in the pockets of the corrupt. ○ Because the Encomienda system / Force labor was imposed on them. How was it used? Structuralism is basically looking for meaning structurally. It was used in a sense that every action and words of the characters have meaning. What was the reason for Fr. Damaso’s anger? Because he was served the neck part of the chicken, or because he was irritated to Crisostomo, or because he is starving, or maybe because it's just who he is. 4. Reference Arangasamy, P. & Pandiyan, R. (2014). Semiotics: A Literary Genre Universal. The Criterion:An International Journal In English. https://www.the-criterion.com DavidsonArtOnline. (2020, March 14). Structuralism: A helpful Overview [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDc8d8LiSwk Kheneth Avila. (2021, November 26). STRUCTURALISM (Literary Criticism - History, Proponents, Basic Tenets, Application) || Kheneth Avila [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kDtnZOmktM Sarma M. (2004). STRUCTURALISM AND STRUCTURALIST LITERARY THEORY. Studies in ELT, Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, 210. https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=0HEwQ7pr1rQC&lpg=PA210&ots=P6LE rjIHNs&dq=info%3ARAYNcffHCzQJ%3Ascholar.google.com%2F&lr&pg=PA2 09#v=onepage&q&f=false