These are some brief definitions of semiotic terms.
Brief definitions of semiotic terms.
I just choose few of them (the more familiar one) to transfer this theory into Chinese 24 seasons drums later.
1.Denotation
2.Connotation
3.Myths
Before we go into the theory, lets roughly go through what is a Chinese 24 seasons drums.
This chinese culture was started from Malaysia. It was a kind of art performance. A unit consists of twenty four(24) drums. It represents agricultural seasons from the Chinese calendar.
Chinese 24 seasons drums will only perform during Chinese New Year, some event such as opening ceremony, and even funeral.
1. Denotation of Chinese 24 seasons drums.
The outer meaning/ observation of the drums.
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| colour: red and black shape: round |
2. Connotation of Chinese 24 seasons drums.
The texture of the drums and costume.
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| drum: body made of wood surface made of cow skin custome: silk |
3. Myth of Chinese 24 seasons drums.
The meaning behind of the Chinese 24 seasons drums.
A typical Malaysian 24 Seasons unit consists of twenty four drums. The number twenty four is represents agricultural seasons from the Chinese calendar.
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| Examples: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter |
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| The first drum troupe in Malaysia is from High School "Kuan Rou", Johor. |
Every drum troupe has their different ways to perform. Even the costume, the style, the arrangement of the drums and etc, has their own meaning.
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| "War between devil and angels." As you can see, the black and white costume is represent the characters of devil and angels. This is about a human soul is always have either a devil or an angels. Sometimes it is hard to judge or decide something right or wrong. |
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| This troupe performs "The sounds of farmer". The costume brings out the character of farmer. The story line is about the first experience of some farmer is playing with the drums. |
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| The only one girls troupe in Malaysia. Present "Remembered death mother during mid-autumn festival/moon cake festival." The story line is about a girl lost her mom in a fire disaster when she was sleeping in the midnight. Therefore, they wear pajamas as their costume. |
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| Perform "After winter". This is about the activities of a village of people after winter. Props are also used during the performance.(Snow) |
Estee,
ReplyDeleteYour understanding of denotation, connotation, and myth is a bit weak. You'll need to do more research and reading on it. Your connotation is mixed with the denotation. Just think of denotation as things you see. Followed with connotation, which is what it means. The mythology section is okay. The entire drum sits within the mythology of the traditional chinese agricultural calender.
The analysis could have been more poetic and more personal. I'm concerned that you have mostly translated things you read from another website.
It is not 24 seasons drums. It should be 24 festive drums. You need to do more reseach on this subject.
ReplyDeleteIt is not 24 seasons drums. It should be 24 festive drums. You need to do more reseach on this subject.
ReplyDeleteIt is not 24 seasons drums. It should be 24 festive drums. You need to do more reseach on this subject.
ReplyDeleteIt is not 24 seasons drums. It should be 24 festive drums. You need to do more reseach on this subject.
ReplyDelete