W5

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School

Queensland University of Technology *

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103

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by ProfExplorationGorilla155

W5 Tutorial preparation In week 5 we learn about how signs create meaning and the difference between the signified and the signifier. Two important ideas in semiotics are metaphor and metonym. Metaphor is a sign that represents something rather than itself by expressing the unfamiliar through the familiar. Metaphor is commonly used to express emotions, images, and messages by comparing two different objects. Therefore, many directors, poets, and writers use metaphors to deliver emotions and messages. Figure 1 of the Tom and Jerry cartoon showcases a powerful metaphor. The gif depicts Tom waving a white flag, which is a clear sign of conceding defeat in a war. Even if this gesture is unfamiliar to you, its meaning can be easily inferred from the context of the gif: the cupboard is broken, and dishes are tumbling out, leaving Tom trapped inside. Hence, it is evident that Tom has lost the battle in this situation. This metaphor action is always used in many animal cartoons to express surrender without saying a word. Metonym is a sign where a part is used to stand for the whole of the text and it works indexically. The metonym is arbitrary but it turns out natural and unquestionable. Figure Figure 1 Tom waves white flag Figure 2 Silicon Valley

2 is an example of a metonym. Silicon Valley is famous for all the most famous and prestigious technology brands based there. Therefore, in many writing and daily speaking, people use the term “Silicon Valley” to infer the American technology industry. However, if you know nothing about Silicon Valley or you do not know where is Silicon Valley, it is hard for you to figure out the hidden meaning in the phrase “Silicon Valley”. However, after some research and gaining a better understanding of its context, it becomes clear that "Silicon Valley" serves as a metonym for the technology industry in America. This serves as evidence that metonyms are arbitrary.

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