Signified vs. Signifier

Attribute	Signified	Signifier
Definition	The concept or idea being represented or referred to.	The physical form or representation that signifies or represents the concept.
Relationship	It is the meaning or concept that the signifier refers to.	It is the physical form or representation that points to or signifies the signified.
Abstract vs Concrete	Signified is often abstract and conceptual.	Signifier is often concrete and tangible.
Subjective	Signified can be subjective and vary based on individual interpretation.	Signifier can be subjective and vary based on individual perception.
Examples	Love, freedom, justice	Heart symbol, dove, scales of justice
Language	Signified is often associated with the meaning of words or symbols.	Signifier is often associated with the physical representation of words or symbols.

Introduction

In the realm of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, two fundamental concepts play a crucial role in understanding the process of communication: the signified and the signifier. Coined by the Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure, these terms represent the two inseparable components of a sign. While the signifier refers to the physical form or representation of a sign, the signified represents the concept or meaning associated with that sign. In this article, we will delve into the attributes of both the signified and the signifier, exploring their relationship and significance in the realm of semiotics.

Attributes of the Signified

The signified, as the mental concept or meaning associated with a sign, holds several key attributes that shape its role in communication:

1. Abstract Nature: The signified is often an abstract concept, detached from the physical world. It represents ideas, emotions, or mental constructs that exist in our minds. For example, the signified of the word "love" is the emotional concept of affection and deep attachment.
2. Subjectivity: The signified is subjective, varying from person to person based on their experiences, cultural background, and personal interpretations. Different individuals may associate different meanings with the same signifier, leading to potential misunderstandings or diverse interpretations.
3. Reliance on Context: The signified heavily relies on the context in which it is used. The same signifier can evoke different signified meanings depending on the surrounding words, cultural context, or the medium of communication. For instance, the signified of the word "bank" can be a financial institution or the edge of a river, depending on the context.
4. Arbitrariness: The relationship between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary, meaning there is no inherent connection between the physical form of the signifier and the mental concept it represents. This arbitrariness is a fundamental characteristic of language and allows for the flexibility and evolution of communication systems.
5. Interpretive Nature: The signified requires interpretation by the receiver of the sign. It is not directly accessible but rather inferred through the signifier. The interpretation of the signified can vary based on the receiver's knowledge, cultural background, and personal associations.

Attributes of the Signifier

The signifier, as the physical form or representation of a sign, possesses distinct attributes that contribute to its role in communication:

1. Concrete Manifestation: The signifier is a tangible or perceivable form that can be observed through our senses. It can take various forms, such as words, sounds, images, gestures, or objects. For example, the signifier of the word "tree" is the combination of letters that form the word itself.
2. Objectivity: Unlike the subjective nature of the signified, the signifier is relatively objective and independent of individual interpretations. It exists in the external world and can be shared and understood by multiple individuals, assuming they are familiar with the signifier's associated signified.
3. Stability: The signifier tends to be more stable and consistent compared to the signified. While the signified can vary based on personal interpretations and cultural contexts, the signifier remains relatively fixed, allowing for shared understanding and communication within a community.
4. Conventionalism: The relationship between the signifier and the signified is conventional, meaning it is established and agreed upon by a community of users. The connection between a specific signifier and its associated signified is learned and reinforced through social and cultural practices, making it a shared convention within a linguistic community.
5. Immediate Accessibility: Unlike the signified, which requires interpretation, the signifier is immediately accessible to the receiver. It acts as a trigger for the mental concept associated with it, allowing for efficient communication and understanding.

Signified and Signifier: A Dynamic Relationship

While the signified and the signifier possess distinct attributes, it is crucial to understand that they are inseparable and exist in a dynamic relationship within the realm of semiotics. They rely on each other to convey meaning and enable communication. The signifier serves as the vehicle through which the signified is expressed and understood, while the signified gives meaning and significance to the signifier.

This relationship between the signified and the signifier can be further explored through the concept of the sign, which combines both elements. A sign is the union of a signifier and a signified, forming a complete unit of meaning. For example, the word "apple" represents a sign where the signifier is the combination of letters that form the word, and the signified is the mental concept of the fruit itself.

It is important to note that the relationship between the signified and the signifier is not fixed or universal. It can vary across different languages, cultures, and contexts. For instance, the signifier and signified associated with the word "apple" may differ between English and Mandarin, reflecting the cultural and linguistic differences between these two languages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the attributes of the signified and the signifier play a crucial role in the process of communication and understanding within the realm of semiotics. While the signified represents the mental concept or meaning associated with a sign, the signifier serves as its physical form or representation. The signified is abstract, subjective, and relies on interpretation, while the signifier is concrete, objective, and immediately accessible. Understanding the dynamic relationship between these two components is essential for comprehending the complexities of communication, language, and culture.