LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 25:4 April 2025
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Managing Editor & Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

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Interpreting Cultural Norms and Practices:
a Study of Barthes’ Semiology

Dr. Moumita Dey

Abstract

Language is both verbal and gestural, and as a social being, it is important for us to understand both forms. Often, we find that there are practices which led to misinterpretation of customs and values of society, thus leading to chaos and conflict. We, at times, are chained by the taboo and superstitious beliefs, which often led to malpractices. Thus, a proper and adequate understanding of these social norms and practices become important for the smooth functioning of communication and maintaining relationship in the human society. The paper will examine some of the social practices and cultural norms prevailing in the Bengali Hindu community and understand them in relation to Barthes’ theory of semiology

Keywords: Semiology, Ronald Barthes, cultural norms, Bengali community, social practices.

I. Introduction

The French linguist, Ferdinand de Saussure, popularly known as the father of modern linguistics, had introduced the system of signification. Semioticians and linguists have since then been exploring the concepts of ‘sign’, ‘signifier’ and ‘signified. Thus, Semiotics or Semiology has not only evolved as a branch under Linguistics but has also been established as a branch of study in itself, owing to its popularity and application in different fields.

One such critic and scholar, Ronald Barthes have advanced his theory of semiology, based on which various cultural and social images can be understood. He, in his theory uses Saussure’s system of signification and structures a second system of signification based on Saussure’s, providing a new dimension to thoughts and perspectives.

Thus, the present paper aims to explore the social and cultures norms and practice in one of the well-known and famous communities of Indian sub-continent – the Bengali community. Renowned for its fish-based dishes, Durga puja and world-famous sweets, the Bengali community is spread-out world-wide today. They carry along with them their cultural heritage wherever they breathe and flourish and as such, leave behind an indelible mark.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Dr. Moumita Dey
Academic Co-Ordinator
Holy Cross College, Agartala
&
Head & Asst. Prof.
Department of English (PG)
Holy Cross College
Agartala, India
smoumitadey@gmail.com
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