ʼn Semiotiese ondersoek na die multimodaliteit van eietydse Afrikaanse Instagrampoësie

Abstract

In this dissertation I analyse Afrikaans Instagram poetry by applying semiotic theories from a multimodal perspective. I firstly investigate the way in which sign systems are present in Instagram poetry. Furthermore, I investigate how sign systems function separately and how they communicate with each other. The analyses of these sign systems are guided by the question: How do the relationships between these different sign systems influence the meaning of Afrikaans Instagram poems? In concordance with Strickland, Hayles, Rettberg, and Baetens and Van Looy, I define Instagram poetry as a form of electronic poetry. I also situate the definition of Instagram poetry within the framework of Assink and Smit’s studies on Instagram poetry. I then discuss semiotics as theorised by de Saussure, Peirce, Barthes and Eco to explain how meaning is formed through signs in a sign system. I specifically rely on multimodal approaches (stemming from social semiotics) as discussed by Kress, Van Leeuwen, Hodge, and Jewitt, Bezemer and O’Halloran. I argue that both written and multimodal sign systems (visual and/or auditory) are important for creating meaning in an Instagram poem. The four strata as set out by Kress and Van Leeuwen, namely design, discourse, production and distribution can also contribute to the creation of meaning. To illustrate this, I analyse the Instagram poems of nine Instagram poets. I conclude that Afrikaans Instagram poets use the interaction between the different sign systems to write love poetry, write explore Christian ideas and beliefs, voice social commentary, and to philosophise about the act of writing itself.