Semiotic Analysis Of The Word “Mulatto” In The Lyrics Of The Song “Smell Like Teen Spirit” By Nirvana

Abstract

This research aims to uncover the true meaning of the word "mulatto" in the lyrics of the song
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. The research method used in this study is qualitative
descriptive research. The semiotic analysis theory used is the semiotic analysis of Ferdinand de
Saussure. The concepts used in this research are signifier and signified. The signifier is the word
"mulatto" in the lyrics of the song "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana. Meanwhile, the
signified functions to represent the concept of the signifier, which in this case is the actual
meaning. The relationship between the signifier and the signified must be connected to each other
in order to produce meaning from the sign. This research seeks the true meaning of the term
"mulatto" by examining three interpretations. The interpretation obtained from primary and
secondary data. Meanwhile, the data collection techniques used are documentation study and
literature study. The interpretations obtained include the word "mulatto" as an alcohol, drugs,
and race. From the three interpretations that have been studied, it will yield true meaning of the
word "mulatto”.
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Keywords: Mulatto, Analysis, Signs