COP3 Second Tutorial Discussion

Building on from the initial tutorial we discussed how semiotics is a tool for finding out meaning within visual language. 

This book Visible Signs: An introduction to semiotics in the visual arts. Has been amazingly useful in understanding the first sets of semiotics. It became apparent that through semiotic theory typography could be analysed to find out its meaning and the minor details that could define its formation through cultural diversity. 

This book has been a fantastic resource in understanding what semiotics means, how it can be used, why its useful and what the overall terminology means. 

My confidence in using semiotics has overall come from reading this book. It has been a valuable resource in semiotic terminology. 

The images of the cross show the different signs that have been embedded within each of the different crosses.
As discussed there needed to be some kind of writing so I presented my first attempt at an introduction. –––

How can san serif typography influence cultural diversity today?

This essay aims to analyse the relationship between san serif typography and cultural diversities in response to the developing global world we live in today. To in turn better the understanding of the impacts and influences that typography can play in shaping the imagery, and cultural fabric of nation. Through the lens of semitonic theory and analysis– looking at the fundamental aspects of typography and questioning whether their cultural differences can be expressed in something physical. The choice of san serif type in particular arises from the modernity in their design– created to more away from the ornamental aesthetic of the past to a new and radical formation of type for the future. Not to mention the similarities in the way they look, and the apparent lack of diversity. This will therefore highlight further the minor details that define them and asking the questions– Can type be categorised into cultural subgroups? Is there any aspect that is fundamentally associated with a country or region? How significant are the influences on the cultural make up of an area? And whether typeface design today is influenced by cultural identities or if the multinational culture of the modern day has marginalised these differences. 

Part one of this essay will aim to define the role of culture in post-modern theories of Jamerson and Foster outlining the key contextual ideas. Looking at the effects of contemporary culture moving away from modernism to a more multicultural and global postmodern world that we live in today. Furthermore looking into the ideas and theories of globalisation and multinationalism, how these effect communication and how language develops, subsequently influencing typography and type design. Additionally looking at the impact of type on a culture and trying to gage the degree in which typography can shape what we perceive as distinctive to an area or place. 

Part two of this essay will look at some of the fundamental san serif typefaces that have become unequivocally linked to a specific culture of a nation or place, the usual instances of this have been implemented in transport and signage as these hold an extra significance  and subconscious link to a region or place. For Example DIN, (Germany) and Johnston (London). Then implementing semiotic theory analyse what defines them, what are the fundamentals they all carry and what separates them, and can these differences be defined and expressed in a physical form or a singular attribute.

This intro has been really helpful in just beginning writing, it will change and be rewritten after this but it was useful to begin an understanding of what might need to be answered. 

For the next session as explained by my Tutor I would need to begin a draft of the first chapter.

This would discuss globalisation vs cultural diversity. As outlined in this essay structure.

GLOBALISTION VS CULTURAL DIVERSITY.

Type As an Historical influence

Semiotics of type (analysis)

Conclusion