Page 13 - Introducing Cultural Studies

igns, Codes and
Texts

Signs are often organized as
codes governed by explicit
and implicit rules agreed upon
by members of a culture or
social group. A system of
signs may thus carry
encoded meanings and
messages that can be read by
those who understand the
codes. A signifying structure
composed of signs and codes
is a text that can be read for
its signs and encoded
meanings.

Readers are advised to consult Introducing Semiotics to
orientate themselves in this crucial subject.