Helen Andersson/David Machin
Abstract: This chapter explores a social semiotic approach to the way we can analyze how meaning is created by both the lyrics in pop songs and also by the way that these lyrics are sung. Linguists have established certain principles as to how meaning is created in speech, not by word choice alone, but through how these are spoken in terms of pitch ranges, voice qualities, articulation and rhythms. Here we draw on some of this research along with research findings from enquiries into sound meaning from semiotics and psychology to analyze the meaning of three pop songs. In the tradition of social semiotics we identify the underlying choices for meaning making in song and demonstrate ...
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