Lesson on Semiotics (week 4):

Introduction:
The topic of choice for this assignment is semiotics, also known as the study of signs. In this topic, I shall write about the semiotics behind our national flag, the flag of Brunei Darussalam.

(picture and description of flag referenced from http://www.flags-flags-flags.org.uk/brunei-flag.htm)

Denotation:

The denotation of this flag could be summarised as a yellow flag with two diagonal bands of black and white parallelograms with a red emblem in the center above the two parallelograms, with the white parallelogram on top and the black one at the bottom.

(picture of emblem taken from http://www.information.gov.bn/VER2/content/view/594/188/1/9/. Description of emblem compiled from the 'references' section)

The emblem is described as a swallow-tailed flag on a winged column with an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upright hands. The crescent contains an inscription, in Arabic, the national slogan of Brunei which means "Always render service by God's guidance".

Significance:

The flag and umbrellas both stand for the Royal Regalias since the creation of the crest. The wings of four symbolises the protection of justice, tranquility, peace and prosperity.The hands represent the Government's pledge to promote welfare, peace and prosperity. The crescent represent Islam, the official religion in Brunei. The inscription on the crest reads "Brunei Darussalam" meaning "the Abode of Peace" in Arabic.

The colours also play a symbolic role. The colours yellow, white and black represent those of the Sultan, Pengiran Bendahara and the Pengiran Pemancha respectively.

Etiquette:

There is a certain etiquette to be maintained while hoisting the flag.(1) Faliure to do so implies disrespect for the country unless otherwise stated. The United Nations uses flags in Alphabetical order to ensure there is no precedence of one country's flag over another country's flag.

The flag must should never be flown above or below another country's flag, as this implies inferiority or superiority over another country's flag. During international events, the Brunei flag is carried as a sign of participation by the representative. This  The flag is hoisted during the singing of the national aanthem during school assemblies, National Day, His Majesty's birthday celebration or other special events.

 The flag must not be dragged along the ground. Worn or tattered flags should be replaced and burned privately and carefully. The flag must be carefully placed in the right position whenever they are hoisted. The flag should be placed in the middle of the bonnet in the case of cars. In government buildings or premises, the Brunei flag should be flown from sunrise to sunset or during office hours. Flags on an buildings and homes should be hoisted throughout the day according to authority on special occasions, such as His Majesty's birthday and National Day. The flag must not be used in such a way that it can be easily damaged. The flag must be hoisted first before any other flag and lowered once every other flag has been lowered. The Brunei flag must not contain or is present in markings and designs. (2,3) In such cases, this would imply vandalism and disrespect for the flag, and by extension, the country.

The position of how the flag is hoisted also brings different meanings. For the purpose of convenience, both the denotation and the meaning will be stated. A half-hoisted or half-masted flag is used to signify grief or mourning. It is done by first hoisting the flag fully upwards, then lowered halfway. A disteress signal is indicated by flying the Brunei flag upside down. (2,3)The examples shown above are cases where the flag is hoisted fully.

Conclusion:

As seen, country flags carry no small amount of significance. From colours to insignias, they carry a lot of meaning. They represent a country's identity, history and uniqueness. It can be seen as a sign of culture and that it represents the face of its representative country and people.

References:
1. http://www.flags-flags-flags.org.uk/brunei-flag.htm, accessed 2 February 2012

2. http://www.information.gov.bn/VER2/content/view/594/188/1/9/, accessed 2 February 2012

3. http://www.information.gov.bn/VER2/content/view/594/188/1/4/, accessed 3 February 2012

Day 2,

Getting the hang of using blogger. A hectic day today. Otherwise, nothing much.

Updating soon....

Introduction

Well, looks like the blog has just been completed.

There is not much for me to type at the moment.

updating soon....