Structuralism and Semiotics Part 1 PDF

Structuralism Part I Structuralism Explained Structuralism is a social science theory which stemmed from the theory of language which studied the systems of rules that governed the meaning of a text. It claims that “mental and cultural structures are universal, and that their causal effects give r...

Structuralism Part I Structuralism Explained Structuralism is a social science theory which stemmed from the theory of language which studied the systems of rules that governed the meaning of a text. It claims that “mental and cultural structures are universal, and that their causal effects give rise to observable social phenomena.” (Strinati, 1995) It is often used together with Semiotics which is the study of signs. STRUCTURALISM Ferdinand de Saussure 1857-1913 Ferdinand de Saussure Considered as the Father of Modern Linguistics Posits that language is made up of langue and parole, where: Langue comprises the words, syntax, structure, rules, conventions and meanings Parole refers to the application and actual use of language as ruled by langue. The text’s meaning is governed by the rules of language.  Saussure’s conception of meaning is structural. Sign is composed of two things: signifier (the sound image) and the signified ( the concept). The relationship between the signifier and signified is arbitrary. Sign: tree Sign: Rose Signifier: t-r-e-e Signifier: R – o – s – e Concept: Concept/s : Key terms related to Saussure’s Theory Syntagmatic analysis means looking at a text as “a sequence of events that forms some kind of narrative.” (Berger, 2004) Paradigmatic analysis examines a text by looking for a “ hidden pattern of oppositions that are buried in it and generate meaning.” (Berger, 2004) Key terms related to Saussure’s Theory Synchronic analyzes the text by looking at its elements. Diachronic, which means “historical,” looks at how the text has evolved. Vladimir Propp (1895-1970) Vladimir Propp applies Saussure’s syntagmatic analysis in studying fairy tales. He introduced the term function as a basic element of a narrative. “Function is an act of character, defined from the point of view of its significance for the course of action.” V. Propp’s Observations. 1. Functions of characters serve as stable constant elements of a tale, independent of how and by whom they are fulfilled. 2. The number of functions known to the fairy tale is limited. 3. The sequence of functions is always identical. 4. All fairy tales are of one type in regard to their structure. Joseph Campbell (1904-1987) Analyzed the structure of Hero Myths. Presented the 12 stages of a hero’s journey Though meant for analyzing hero myths, his theory can be utilized in examining other narratives. Influences movie directors like George Lucas (Star Wars) A follower of Carl Jung, he archetypes in analyzing myths. Campbell’s Monomyth: Abridged Version Source: Science Fiction Writer’s Workshop: Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey http://www.sfcenter.ku.edu/Workshop-stuff/Joseph-Campbell-Hero-Journey.htm Monomyth in Films: Video Clip Viewing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNPcefZKmZ0 Claude Levi- Strauss (1908-2009) Focuses on uncovering the common structural principles underlying specific and historically variable cultures and myths. Looks into the manifest meaning (syntagmatic analysis) and the latent meaning ( paradigmatic analysis) Asserts that myths are composed of fundamental mythemes and that myths are keys to which human mind works. Common Binary Opposites Hero Villain Good Bad Protagonist Antagonist Princess Witch Handsome Ugly Earthly creatures Aliens Male Female Child Adult Example of Paradigmatic Analysis in James Bond “Skyfall” (Berger, 2016)  Hero Villain James Bond Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) Works for M16 Worked for M16 Defends M16 Attacks M16 Blows up Skyfall Blows up M16 headquarters Motive: Patriotism Motive: Revenge (for being left to die by M) Captures Silva on island near Wants to be captured, brought to Macau London, escapes Chases Silva through London Evades Bond Underground Lures Silva to Skyfall Attacks Skyfall with helicopter and many killers With allies, kills many With attackers, wounds M who attackers eventually dies from wound Kills Silva: Throws knife into Is killed by Bond while holding gun to Structuralism in Telenovelas Watch the following video clip: Telenovelas are Hell: Marimar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouXJkY-A2h4 Are the Filipino Teleserye different? What common patterns do you see in Philippine Teleserye? Top 10 Most Overused Pinoy Telenovela Plots (del Fuego, 2010) 1. The rich couple’s baby is switched with the poor couple’s baby. 2. Acid is thrown in somebody’s face. 3. A character who is thought to be dead is actually alive. 4. The star-crossed lovers are possibly siblings. 5. The lead characters are twins...or even triplets. 6. Evil stepparents and stepsiblings work overtime to make the lead character’s life miserable. 7. The hero and the villain are actually related. 8. When someone is publicly humiliated or duped, they go on to become evil by actually announcing it. 9. The hero or heroine has amnesia. 10. There’s a love triangle. An article has the following to say about teleserye: “lots of stereotypes, the persistent exploitation of obsolete Tagalog, the obsession with fashion extravaganza, the “theater stage” conversation style, new episodes every night, the “star-studded cast” craze, the “artista look,” and the “larger than life” plot.” Nuevo, R. (2019). “ On World Television Day, Consider the Teleserye.” https://metro.style/culture/film-tv/consider-the-teleserye-on-world-tv-day/20661