Connotation

Abstract: Antique relics represent a part of the rich history and cultural heritage of a nation, region, or country, and serve as great inspiration for the creation of unique cultural and artistic products. This article explores the meaning of the transition from “ritual cultural features” to “modern product forms”. By elucidating the rituals (connotation) and forms (denotation) of these cultural characteristics, this article attempts to illustrate how to transform these characteristics into modern products that are tailored to meet the needs of contemporary consumer markets. The specific objects chosen for this study are the “ritual vessels” used in various ceremonial activities in ancient China. Specifically, this study discusses the form of the “ritual vessels”, the meaning of their cultural significance, and their use scenarios. Lastly, this article introduces a cultural product design model based on the relationship between “form” and “ritual”, which seeks to offer a valuable reference for designers of cultural and creative products in the design of modern products that adhere to the continuation of cultural attributes. Moreover, we hope this article will also serve as an inspiration for how designers can use their creative thinking to discover traditional cultures’ advantages.

Abstract: This article investigates a sign system in promotional campaigns for the 2 sport/energy-drink brands PowerAde and Monster Energy. More specifically, the paper examines advertising materials published on the British Web sites of the 2 drink brands. The media texts are analyzed using semiotics and critical discourse analysis. In so doing, the author attempts to identify the meaning of sport in different contexts and settings and to interpret ideological connotation embedded in the commercial discourse on sport. The PowerAde advertising presents the meaning of sport as controlled and calculated physical activities associated with high-performance sport. This articulation suggests an idealization of productive individuals, and this appears to be the reification of capitalist ideology through sport. Monster Energy advertising tends to endorse alternative sporting subculture emphasizing the aspects of fun and spectacle, but such endorsement is only validated within the boundaries of consumer culture. The author...

Abstract: When the word rationing is used in health care, it immediately evokes strong emotions, and usually in a negative connotation. Politicians favoring status quo certainly employ the word to generate f...