Signs and Meanings in Hiligaynon Contemporary Stories

This qualitative research employing semiotics analysis sought to discover the signs and meanings in the Hiligaynon contemporary stories. This study utilized the Order of Signification by Barthes (1957): denotative, connotative, and ideology. In analyzing the data of this study, the denotative meaning of every significant element found in stories was taken from the dictionary and in some cases was based on the context of the stories while the connotative meaning and ideological meaning were the perception and analysis of the researchers in relation to their knowledge and view of the society. The study is taking into considerations how meanings in different levels are created, the process by which meanings occur. Results reveal that denotative meanings of signs are agreed meaning objectively linked to the word represented. Connotative meaning is linked to emotions and feelings invoked and ideological meanings present beliefs established in the society. Findings revealed that words as signs are polysemic and open to different interpretations. In general, although words in denotation have fixed meaning, they could be interpreted and mean differently in the connotation which may yield various beliefs or worldview in the ideology. Therefore, one must take careful thought in interpreting or ascribing meaning to a word. Keywords—semiotics, signs, meanings, stories, Hiligaynon.


I. INTRODUCTION
This paper offers an analysis on the signs and meanings in the Hiligaynon contemporary stories. A sign according to Chandler (2011) portrays meaning and also offers ideologies and worldviews. Anything can be a sign as long as it is interpreted to be signifying something other than itself. The meanings of sign are socially and contextually constructed which in return constructs the society. The paper gives meaning to the signs in Hiligaynon contemporary stories in three different levels based on Barthe's (1957) Order of Signification. The first level of meaning is the denotation which consists of the signifier and the signified. Aiello (2006) stated that the denotation level resembles the image's or word's literal meaning. The second is the connotation which points to the sign's meaning perceived through the values and emotions of an individual. The third level is the Ideology which is the dominant or prevailing belief or idea of a sign according to an individual, group or community.
The researchers embarked on this study to generate knowledge regarding the signs and their meanings revealed in the Hiligaynon contemporary stories. The study was directed to a semiotic analysis of the stories since human beings are social creatures that create meanings and interpret signs relative to their understanding and society. Semiotic analysis provides a description of the construction of meanings, the upheld values, the common ideologies, preferred lifestyles, or even the issues communicated through the stories (Chandler, 2002). Moreover, these stories were a good choice for analysis considering that Hiligaynon Literature is now continuously growing and could be used for Literature courses.

II. LITERATURE REVIEW
This study utilized the Order of Signification by Barthes (1957): denotative, connotative, and ideology. The first level of signification is the denotation or denotative IJELS-2021, 6(3), (ISSN: 2456-7620) https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.63.25 175 meaning which consists of the signifier and the signified. Chandler (2002) discussed the Order of Signification by Barthes (1957) through expounding that the first (denotative) order (or level) of signification is basically representational and relatively self-contained. Aiello (2006) stated that the denotation level resembles the image's or word's literal meaning. It is the direct meaning linked to what is being represented by the image. The second level of meaning of a sign is the connotative meaning, which points to the sign's meaning perceived through the values and emotions of an individual. Connotative meaning denotes the relations which are connected to a certain word or the emotional suggestions linked to the word. It lets humans expand the use of signs creatively. It is the operative mode of signification in the formation and understanding of all creative texts such as art works, poems, musical compositions, novels, and many more. In addition, an interpretation of cultural concepts like effeminacy or masculinity, friendship, and impartiality or justice, perpetually implicate connotation. Ideology is produced by the ideas or beliefs established in the society, which Barthes referred to as myth. It is the dominant or prevailing belief or idea of a sign according to an individual, group or community. Chandler (2011) expanded Barthes' third level or order of signification, myth, or more commonly identified as ideology, as the 'naturalized' values, beliefs, attitudes that are shared or apparent in a society. This ideology implicated from the sign is determined and influenced by the society.

Research Design
This study employed a qualitative research taking on semiotic analysis to obtain and analyze the data for the meaning of signs in the Hiligaynon Contemporary stories. The character's use of language and utterances in various stories were the subject for analysis using semiotic lens. Qualitative method was used in this research where the researchers themselves are the key instrument; the data about utterances that were spoken by the characters or narrators in the stories are in the form of words rather than numbers. Semiotic analysis thru Barthes' (1957) Order of Signification was utilized to give meanings of the signs in denotation, connotation and ideology levels.

Data Analysis
The ten Hiligaynon contemporary stories served as data in the story. Thru Semiotics analysis, the researcher analyzed the signs in the stories and determined their meanings using Barthes' (1957) order of signification: denotative, connotative, and ideology.

Kamot (Hand).
Kamot is denoted as part of a person's arm beyond the wrist that enables a person hold. Connotatively, a hand means help. It may symbolically be used to reach out to others who need help. This creates a view that no man is an island, that assistance and support is essential to endure. People will only survive if they allow and open themselves to others when necessary.
Kalayo (Fire). Denotatively, it is the state of burning that produces flame. The fire connotes passion. When the words "light the fire" is said, that means to bring back the passion one had for something that used to have inspired the person. Ideologically, people should aspire for what they truly desire, and persevere until attaining their goal. Unfortunately, due to poverty and spiteful events in life, people lose passion in their hearts.
Letrato (Picture). Letrato, denotatively is a representation made by photography. Connotatively, it refers to memories. Pictures or photographs remind people of moments, events, places, and people in the past. They bring back memories. This leads us to the ideology that people leave and disappear but the memories last. As the memories remain, some pain attached to it last as well. Kalsada (Road). Kalsada denotes a way leading from one place to another. It could either be concrete or rough. Connotatively, it refers to a journey. One's journey in life is like taking a travel through a road, and sometimes, the road gets rough, symbolic to when problems and challenges come or the road gets smooth like when things are in the right place. Some roads have end, similarly, one's journey in life has an end too. This creates an ideology that people choose the path they take in life. Unfortunately, due to injustices and unfairness in life, some resort to ending their life to escape its miseries.
Oblisyon (Oblation). Oblisyon in the denotation level is a concrete statue in the University of the Philippines depicting a naked man facing upward with arms stretched wide. The statue connotes selfless offering of oneself which is seen as the highest form of sacrifice. This creates an ideological concept that people are willing to sacrifice themselves or even their lives for ceratin causes.
Karbaw (Carabao). Karbaw is denoted as a swamp type domestic water buffalo usually used for farming. It connotes hardwork. Since this animal is used for tilling the land to prepare it for the planting stage, and even for delivering the produce from farmland to market, this takes hardwork. Without hardwork, it is impossible to achieve success in life. Ideologically, people must work hard to attain their goal.
Gwardya (Guard). Gwardya denotes a person who keeps watch to protect a person or control access to an area. The guard connotes protection or safety as it is his main concern. Ideologically, everyone desires for security and to live peacefully. Langit (Heaven). Langit is denoted as the place where God, angels and saved souls inhabit. Connotatively, it means peace and satisfaction since heaven is thought to be a place of no pain and sorrow but complete joy. Ideologically, people aspire to reach heaven since the society has turned out to be a place of disorder and injustices.

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Suba (River). Suba is denotatively a natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea. This natural stream may connote the passing of time. Similar to the water flow in the river, time that had passed could not be retrieved. People cannot undo and correct mistakes done in the past, as well as freeze memorable and joyful moments. Through this, people believe the concept that time is valuable and precious.
Asu (Smoke). Asu denotes the gas produced by burning materials. This may connote prayers. Some religious beliefs utilize smoke in performing their rituals especially their prayers. Ideologically, prayer is people's way to communicate to God. 2021, 6(3), (ISSN: 2456-7620 Ispada (Sword). Ispada denotatively refers to a weapon having a long, straight or curved blade. The weapon is used to directly make a cut onto an opponent. Connotatively, as sword means power. Historically, the king uses the sword to release blessing to his subordinate being the one who holds the power. Ideologically, people now believe on the significant influence of the rich and that they hold power. Moreover, the rich dominate the poor.

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Rosarito (Rosary). Rosarito denotatively revers to a sacramental necklace made of crucifix and beads (Merriam-Webster). The rosary is a significant symbol for the catholics. It connotes faith and prayer since it is usually held in hand when the believers pray. Ideologically, people trust and believe the Almighty despite the unpleasant events in the society. Libro (Book). Libro is denoted as a written text that is published in printed form. A book connotes knowledge, wisdom and education as it is used in teaching, learning and discovering things. Ideologically, the aim of education is enlightenment and wisdom.
Mindanao. Mindanao is denoted as the second largest island in the Philippines. It connotes war and chaos. For a long time, the Mindanao has been perceived as an island with extensive terrorism thus giving it a connotation of war and chaos. Ideologically, war must be eradicated to achieve peace.
Sampaguita. Sampaguita is denotatively defined as a sweetly scented tropical white flower. It connotatively refers to purity. Since a sampaguita is white and thus has a sweet smell, it is usually compared to a virgin woman. Ideologically, people believe that an immaculate woman during themodern time is admirable.
Alibangbang nga itum (Black butterfly). Alibangbang nga itum denotes a nectar-feeding insect with two pairs of wings which is black in color. It connotes death. A presence of black butterfly is symbolized as death as black is a color of sadness and mourning. Ideologically, death is inevitable. Everyone is bound to face death in his unknown appointed time. Connotatively, it means deception. Since love is expected to be genuine, any act involving a potion, especially a love potion is a manifestation of deception which may only last until the potion is still in effect. Ideologically, people search for genuine love.
Doktor (Doctor). Doktor is denoted as a medicine practitioner. It connotes healing. Since doctors are perceived to have the capacity to treat anyone who is sick or has disease, they are connoted for healing. 2021, 6(3), (ISSN: 2456-7620

Rehas (Prison bars).
Rehas denotes to the bars forming a prison cell. The prison bars connote captivity or lack of freedom since it locks up prisoners and set them apart from the society. They serve as wall to take away liberty from the people inside. It may also refer to people who are captives of their past and could not get away from the horrors of it. Ideologically, people want to be free. Everybody desires for freedom from their mesirable past, slavery, injustices and violation of rights. Tatay (Father). Tatay is denoted as a man in relation to his child/children. A father connotes protection, provision and teaching. These duties are expected from a father as the head of the family-to ensure the safety of his children, provide their basic needs and teach them values and chores. Ideologically, the father is responsible for his family.
Dyipni (Jeepney). Dyipni in the denotation level refers to a 4-wheeled vehicle usually for commuting. It connotatively means Philippine national ingenuity since it is only commonly used in the Philippines for public transport. It has been a symbol of Filipino pride for decades. Ideologically, Filipinos should show patriotism and has to take pride in his identity.
Paghilibion (Cry). Paghilibion is denoted as shedding tears. This connotes pain or heartache. Crying is a manifestation of one being hurt either physically or emotionally. Ideologically, in life, miseries are inevitable.
Baboy (Pig). Baboy denotes a hoofed stout-bodied animal with four legs and a short tail, thick bristly skin, and long flattened snout. Connotatively, it means greediness. Similar to a pig, a greedy person takes everything without considering others. It is concern only of itself despite having too much. Ideologically, the dissatisfaction of men makes them inconsiderate of others.
Man-ug (Snake). Man-ug is denotatively a reptile with a long body and no legs and usually venomous (Cambridge Dictionary). Connotatively, it means deceit or betrayal. As pictured in the bible, the snake deceived Eve thus led to her and Adam being casted out of Eden. When a friend is 2021, 6(3), (ISSN: 2456-7620 found out to have betrayed one, he/she is likened to a snake. Ideologically, trust is hardly earned and given. Blusa (Blouse). Blusa in the denotation level is a woman's upper garment. It is a connotation for femininity since a blouse is intended to be worn by women and not men. This creates an ideology that there are identified characteristics and practices appropriate for women.

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Dalaga (Maiden). Dalaga is denoted as an unmarried girl or woman. Connotatively, it means virgin as she is unmarried. Conservative and traditional contexts expect women to never engage in sexual relationships unless married. Ideologically, society shows admiration to immaculate women before entering marriage but does not discriminate men who engaged in sex outside marriage.
Nitso (Tomb). Nitso denotatively refers to a structure where a dead person is buried. It connotes death. When tombs appear in stories, it is always linked to the idea of death as it houses a dead body. Ideologically, life is not permanent and has an end.
Impyerno (Hell). Impyerno denotes a place for punishment of the wicked after death. It connotes suffering since it is pictured as a place of eternal torture and torment. This creates an ideological concept that after death, the wicked will be punished for their actions eternally.
Altar. Altar is denoted as a usually raised structure where sacrifices are offered, prayers are said and incense is burned. An altar connotes consecration or holiness. As an altar is thought to be a holy place, people entering it should also be holy by confessing their sins as they stand infront of it. This creates an ideological belief that God is holy and so must his followers be. CCTV. CCTV is denotatively defined as a TV system primarily used for security and surveillance purposes (WhatIs.com). It connotes safety since CCTVs are used to record movement and ensure the protection of the people involve. Ideologically, people believe that lives are to be protected since violent and illegal acts are common in the society.
Shabu. Shabu is denoted as a potent central nervous system stimulant used as a recreational drug (the free dictionary). This connotes addiction. A number of people abuse the use of this drug and it turn out to be addicting when not acted upon immediately. This creates an ideological belief that any addiction is destructive and has harmful effects.
Sigarilyo (Cigarette). Sigarilyo denotes a tobacco rolled in paper for smoking. It connotes addiction since people who smoke find it hard to get away from smoking. This creates an ideological view that any addiction is destructive and has harmful effects.
Bao (Turtle). Bao denotes a slow-moving marine reptile enclosed in a shell. This word connotes peace. Turtles are depicted as peaceful and calm animal, and are never influenced by their surroundings. Ideologically, people need to remain calm despite surrounding chaos.

V. CONCLUSION
As shown in the results of this study, denotative meanings of each sign are constructed based on the technically agreed meaning objectively linked to the word being represented. The denotative meanings of words are established mainly in their usual or most basic sense without any metaphor or allegory. When it comes to the connotations, findings revealed that connotative meaning of each word is linked to the emotions and experiences of the people in the society. It is also found out that a single sign may have a number of connotations depending on how it is related to one's experiences, values and view in life. This means a sign's connotative meaning may change depending on a person's current situation or context. Although the researchers ascribed a connotation for the signs presented in the stories, various connotations can still be perceived based on other's culture and perception. Ideological meanings present the belief and ideas established in the society as perceived by the researchers. For each sign, there is a related prevailing societal idea or belief in which people see the world. These ideological concepts may as well vary depending on a persons' view.

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As established in the study, words as signs can be considered polysemic since they are open to different interpretations. In general, although words in denotative level have fixed meaning, they could be interpreted and mean differently in the connotation level which may yield various beliefs or worldview in the ideology level. Therefore, one must take careful thought in understanding or interpreting a word.
It was mentioned by Hayakawa and Hayakawa (1990) that one must have careful understanding of words and emphasized that it is a horrible mistake to depend on dictionary to capture meaning of a word. This is because people use words differently and may convey different meaning depending on the cultural context they are in. With that, it is necessary to learn the use of word and what it means before communicating in a certain context since word meaning varies in different cultural setting.
de Grammont (1990) stated that language plays an essential role in the distortion of meaning. He postulated that language introduces a reflective ability, which enables one to transform gradually the literal meanings of childhood into a metaphorical dimension of expanding awareness. This means that as one develops his language, his word meanings also expand and he could apply connotations to certain words. Therefore, people from different cultural and social contexts have diverse meanings for a certain word.