The Verbal and Non-Verbal Trichotomies in Wolf-Themed Memes
English
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25217/jed.v5i1.5378Keywords:
semiotics, charles sanders peirce, meme analysis, representamen, object, interpretant,.Abstract
This study investigates wolf-themed memes using Peirce’s semiotic framework to explore how meaning is constructed through verbal and non-verbal elements. The research highlights the importance of understanding these memes in the context of digital culture, where they serve as a medium for emotional expression and commentary. A qualitative content analysis revealed that qualisign and index were the most prominent semiotic elements in wolf-themed memes, emphasizing the role of visual and emotional tones in shaping meaning. The findings demonstrate how textual and visual components work together, with minimalistic choices effectively encapsulating complex themes. By applying a semiotic perspective, this research offers insights into the layered meanings behind wolf-themed memes and their cultural relevance as a form of communication. These results underscore the value of semiotics in interpreting internet memes, revealing their potential as symbolic tools for self-expression and digital interaction.
References
Börzsei, L. K. (2013). Makes a Meme Instead: A Concise History of Internet Memes. New Media Studies Magazine, 7(March), 1–29. http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=linda_borzsei%5Cnhttp://works.bepress.com/linda_borzsei/2
Brandon. (2024). What Is The “Laser Eyes Meme” And How Did It Become Prevalent In Meme Culture? The Meaning Behind “Glowing Eyes” Edits Explained. https://knowyourmeme.com/editorials/guides/what-is-the-laser-eyes-meme-and-how-did-it-become-prevalent-in-meme-culture-the-meaning-behind-glowing-eyes-edits-explained
Cavanagh, S. (1997). Content analysis: concepts, methods and applications. 4(3). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7748/nr.4.3.5.s2
Chandler, D. (2002). The Basics Semiotics Daniel Chandler. The Basics Semiotics Daniel Chandler, 1–326.
Dainas, A. R., & Herring, S. C. (2020). Chapter 4. Interpreting emoji pragmatics. 2015, 107–144. https://doi.org/10.1075/pbns.318.04dai
Eco, U. (1978). 3 from A Theory of Semiotics.
Elo, S., & Kyngäs, H. (2008). The qualitative content analysis process. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 62(1), 107–115. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2007.04569.x
Harrington, F. H., & Mech, L. D. (1979). Wolf howling and territory maintanence. Behaviour, 68(3/4), 207–249. http://www.jstor.org/stable/4533952%5Cnpapers3://publication/uuid/BE3FC494-4774-497C-B8CD-1E50C19C267D%5Cnhttp://www.jstor.org/stable/4533952%5Cnpapers3://publication/uuid/BE3FC494-4774-497C-B8CD-1E50C19C267D
Knobel, M., & Lankshear, C. (2005). Memes and affinities: Cultural replication and literacy education. English, 1–22.
Merlina, T. (2020). Verbal and Visual Signs of Brand Logo Designs in Some Fast Food’S Advertisements: a Semiotic Study. Manners, III(2), 135.
Mukhammadovna, B. M. (2024). (2024). IMPORTANCE OF VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL MEANS OF COMMUNICATION.
Oermann, M. H. (2005). Annual Review of Nursing Education Volume 3, 2005: Strategies for Teaching, Assessment, and Program Planning. Springer Publishing Company, 2005. https://books.google.co.id/books?id=o5WWnwjhFUwC&dq=mirror+metaphor&lr=&hl=id&source=gbs_navlinks_s
Pangestu, Y., Kustanti, D., & Pd, M. (2023). Research on Applied Linguistics and Literature PEIRCE ’ S SEMIOTICS ANALYSIS TOWARD COVID -19 PANDEMIC IMPACTS ON 9GAG MEMES IN SEPTEMBER 2021. 2(1).
Press-Reynolds, K. (2023). How the “lone alpha wolves” meme took over the internet and became an unofficial Gen Z mascot. https://www.businessinsider.com/wolf-alpha-emo-sigma-loner-generational-mascot-manosphere-marketing-2023-10
Sábato, M. A. L., Melo, L. F. B. de, Magni, E. M. V., Young, R. J., & Coelho, C. M. (2006). A note on the effect of the full moon on the activity of wild maned wolves, Chrysocyon brachyurus. Behavioural Processes, 73(2), 228–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2006.05.012
Shifman, L. (2013). Memes in a digital world: Reconciling with a conceptual troublemaker. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 18(3), 362–377. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcc4.12013
Thinard, M. (2019). “ Colours & Metaphors : A Study of Black , White and Grey Metaphors in English Idioms .” 1–37.
Tomlinson, M. K., & Tomlinson, M. K. (2021). Moody and monstrous menstruators : the Semiotics of the menstrual meme on social media Moody and monstrous menstruators : the Semiotics of the menstrual meme on social media. https://doi.org/10.1080/10350330.2021.1930858
Wicaksono, L. D., & Heriyati, N. (2023). Semiotic Analysis of the Little Mermaid Movie Poster Using Peirce (1996). Mahadaya: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, Dan Budaya, 3(2), 167–174. https://doi.org/10.34010/mhd.v3i2.10567
Yakin, H. S. M., & Totu, A. (2014). The Semiotic Perspectives of Peirce and Saussure: A Brief Comparative Study. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 155(October), 4–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.10.247

Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Aulia Nur Fadilla Syahputri, Lili Awaludin, R. Myrna Nur Sakinah

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.