Semiotic Analysis of Body Gestures in Larva: Big Family Episode
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This study seeks to investigate the connotative and denotative meanings in the cartoon film Larva, analyze the role of body gestures in storytelling, and assess how these gestures contribute to the understanding of emotions and social interactions among the characters. Employing qualitative research methods, the study focuses on three primary questions: first, how are connotative and denotative meanings constructed and communicated in Larva? Second, how do body gestures facilitate storytelling in the film? Lastly, in what ways do these gestures enhance viewers' understanding of emotional dynamics and social interactions among the characters? The theoretical framework includes Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis, Glenberg and Robertson's "Grounding Language in Action" theory, and Paul Ekman's theory of universal emotions. Data were collected through direct observation of key scenes and content analysis to identify the semiotic elements present in body gestures. The findings indicate that the characters' gestures not only serve as a means of conveying information but also play a significant role in character development and plot progression. Additionally, the gestures evoke deep emotional nuances, aiding in the understanding of character relationships and the social context. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of nonverbal communication in animation and enrich the comprehension of how semiotic elements convey meaning in cartoon films.
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