Barthes Semiotics(5 Codes)Rhys Ward

The Cultural (Referential) Code This code refers to an external body of

knowledge held by the audience prior to seeing the text.

Directors rely on audiences having this knowledge in order to make sense of their texts.

This screenshot is of the part where both characters know each other from elsewhere, which the audience will know from watching previous episodes of the TV drama.

The Semantic Code This code refers to connotations within the

narrative that give additional meaning to the basic meaning of the text.

This screenshot connotes that the cleaning staff are not doing their job professionally and are quite selfish in earning extra money in the work environment.

The Symbolic Code This code is similar to the Semantic Code, however it

acts at a wider level. The semantic meanings are organised in to broader and deeper sets of meaning.

Typically done with Antithesis (opposites), where new meaning arises out of opposing and conflicting ideas.

In the face of the two important characters the two chefs come across as liking each other and really go out of their ways to show this. However when the two charcaters leave the kitchen, the two chefs start arguing. These two conflicting ideas create new perspectives for the audience.

The Proairetic (Action) Code This code builds tension. It refers to any sequential action or

event that indicates something else is going to happen, which engages the viewer in to guessing what is coming up next.

Usually the hermeneutic and proairetic codes work simultaneously to develop the story’s tensions and keep the viewer interested.

This screenshot is taken as the two characters are building tension for the audience around the two chefs, and whether they will be able to work together properly; they do not get on. The fast tempo music in the background also helps to build the tension.

The Hermeneutic (Enigma) Code This code refers to any element of the story that is not

explained fully and therefore becomes a mystery to the reader. The purpose of this to keep the audience guessing until the

final scenes when all is revealed and the audience’s questions are answered.

If a hermeneutic code is left unanswered then it will be left frustrating for the audience.

This screenshot is taken after one of the cleaners leave and say that are not going to participate in stripping for a customer. The man is about to turn off the music and call quits on the whole situation, however the lady says no and calls someone saying there is plenty more fish in the sea. The audience are intrigued and want to know who is on the phone and who is going to be coming.