Semiotic Theory

Semiotics, also referred to as “semiotic studies” and “semiology,” is the study of how humans communicate. In particular, it is the study of how we created meaning and how meaning is understood by the people to whom meaning is being communicated. Semiotics is the study of how we use symbols such as letters and numbers to transfer meaning between parties.

Denotation

'Denotation' tends to be described as the definitional, 'literal', 'obvious' or 'commonsense' meaning of a sign. In the case of linguistic signs, the denotative meaning is what the dictionary attempts to provide.

Connotation
Connotation is created when you mean something else, something that might be initially hidden. The connotative meaning of a word is based on implication, or shared emotional association with a word. Greasy is a completely innocent word: Some things, like car engines, need to be greasy. But greasy contains negative associations for most people, whether they are talking about food or about people.


Semiotic theory applies to music magazines as you can see in the magazine cover to the right. Plan B is smoking, putting up a finger and has a hoodie up. This is going against everything that David Cameron wants to stop or change in this country, Plan B is evidently against his beliefs so he's basically  showing to the people who buy the magazine not to support David Cameron.