Question bank: Linguistics and Semiotics

When we read a book or look at an image, we are interpreting symbols and signs that tell a story or present an idea. The written words and drawn images are forms of language that we use to communicate. Think about the symbol of a traffic sign or the 'stop' sign we see on the street. Explain what these symbols mean and how we, as readers and viewers, understand the messages they are trying to convey. Give an example of a symbol you have come across and explain what it communicates.

When we speak or write, we use words to express our ideas and feelings. But besides words, we often use figures, drawings, colors, and signs to convey messages, such as in advertisements or traffic signs. Language, whether spoken or not, is full of meanings and ways of interpretation. Thinking about this, and observing the world around you, how can you explain the difference between a bus stop and an ice cream shop using words and nonverbal language, such as signs, colors, or drawings? Write a short text explaining how words and other visual elements help us understand that different places have different functions. Give examples of signs or drawings that are used to show these differences.

Imagine you are a language detective and need to decipher a secret code. To solve this mystery, you must analyze a message that mixes written words and drawings. First, you will observe the drawings and think about what each one can represent. Then, analyze the written words and see how they relate to the drawings. What is the meaning of the message? Explain how you arrived at this interpretation, showing the relationship between the drawings, the words, and how they come together to form a meaningful whole.

In the cartoon 'The language of money' by Glauco, two characters interact and dialogue with a certain level of disagreement. Analyzing the verbal and non-verbal signs present in the dialogue, identify the linguistic tool used by one of the characters to reinforce their speech and convince the other character to accept their opinion. Then, explain how this tool contributes to the construction of the meaning of communication, considering its context of use in the cartoon.

Imagine you are in a forest and come across a sign with a drawing of a snake and the phrase 'Beware! Snake area'. This is an example of verbal and nonverbal language. What does each of them mean in this context and why are they important for us to understand the world around us?