Semiotics is the study of signs and symbols and how they create meaning. It explores how we interpret various forms of communication, from language to images. For example, a traffic light uses colors as signs: red means stop, green means go, and yellow means caution. Understanding these signs helps us navigate our world effectively. In semiotics, there are three main components: the sign, which is the symbol itself; the signifier, which is the form the sign takes; and the signified, which is the concept it represents. This framework helps us analyze everything from advertisements to literature, revealing deeper meanings behind everyday communication.