Semiotics and Culture In a Gang Related

EnvironmentSession 4

Aim and Assessment Criteria to be covered in this session:

• Aim: Understand the significance of language and semiotics to gangs and gang members (4)

• Assessment Criteria: Describe key aspects of language and visible signs in a gang related environment(4.1)

• Explain the implications of language, body language, and visible signs in a gang related environment. (4.2)

SO, NOW ONTO LANGUAGE & SEMIOTICS

noun 1. The study of signs and symbols as elements of communicative

behavior; the analysis of systems of communication, as language, gestures, or clothing.

2. a general theory of signs and symbolism, usually divided into branches of pragmatics, semantics, and syntactics.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/relationship?s=t&path=/ (accessed 21-5-2013)

• “Body language speaks to us,

but only in whispers”

• According to Albert Mehrabian a pioneer in body language research from the University of Pennsylvania, when communicating with others, 7% is verbal (words), 38% is vocal (sounds & tones) and 55% is physical.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tm4yM9haZU

GANG RECOGNITION CHECKLIST

Gang Signs & Clothing

Here are some examples of created symbols (mainly from

America)

12

“Mi Vida Loca”-

My Crazy Life

Tear Drop

First indication of gang activities

Newspaper of the streets

Used to mark turf

Declares allegiance to the gang

Advertises the gangs power or status

Challenge to rival gangs: By crossing out rival gangs work

Occasionally will contain street names or names of gang members

Used to pay respect to fallen gang members

Cryptic messages

Usually in the form of a letter

Originated with Black Gangs

Used to tell a story, challenge rival gangs, and brag

Identifies which gang a gang member belongs to

• In small groups discuss how these signs and symbols may or may not operate in our local contexts.

• How are young people in Britain influenced by others elsewhere? Think about influences from fashion and music especially.

AND… HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO CULTURE & CULTURAL IDENTITY ?

• Stuart Hall is a Cultural Theorist & Professor of

Sociology at the Open University.

”the word cultural identity is used to refer to whatever is distinctive about the

way of life of a people, community, nation, or social group“. (Hall.,S, 1997, pg 2) Cultural References and Signifiers, The Open University, Sage Publications, Bath,. Accessed 25/06/13

In comprehending this we can see that in relaying a specific meaning to a

culture we are not only referencing a group but ultimately inferring their way

of life.

GEERTZ’S THEORY OF THICK & THIN DISCRIPTIONS OF CULTURE

• Geertz (1973) provides an explanation for understanding culture and for the development of culture

• Ep. 3 Blood Brothers. The Peacemaker L.A. Wars Season 1