Communication II: Signs and Meanings

Abstract

Signs are used to construct meaning in a contextual domain. This domain is essential for the creation of meaning. Meaning always carries connotations. According to philosopher Barthes (1967) connotations are essential for meaning. No connotation means that no communication takes places. Kant (1781:8) has explained this in his famous statement there can be no doubt that all our knowledge begins with experience. This strongly applies to Barthes’ connotations. Even before we receive a sign, a priori knowledge has already been established. Hence all signs we receive include the process of connotations. The creation of meaning is essentially posteriori. In the words of Kant (1781:8) even empirical knowledge is made up of what we receive through impressions. In essence, facts do not speak for themselves but they meet through the process of connotation.⁸⁵ Meaning construction can only take place in a domain through a priori knowledge.