Semiotic Analysis of the Meal essay
Since the ancient times signs have been an integral part of social life. One of the first systems of signs a human being masters in early childhood is language. However, Ferdinand de Saussure (1857-1913) has introduced the explanation for semiology to deal not only with the field of language, but with almost each of the spheres making up human lives. As a science which studies the diversity of signs, semiology has much to offer to make lifestyles and social patterns clearer for a curious mind. Thus, the laws of semiology can be fittingly applied to eating habits in particular and eating cultures on the whole.
Going to a Japanese restaurant can become an extremely useful experience if one wants to get a profound image of what Japanese culture is like. What is more, learning what people eat as well as how they do it is a key to understand their way of thinking, aesthetics, life values, and customs (Danesi 2012, p.194). The Japanese have an ancient dining culture, and the Spring Sushi restaurant presents an amazing combination of ancient traditions and latest innovations. Entering the restaurant, one gets into the atmosphere of delicious aroma and dim light. A Japanese restaurant is definitely not a place to make it loud and have fun. On the contrary, Spring Sushi is a place to enjoy a quiet friendly atmosphere, so the people do not talk loud and do not interfere with each other’s meals. Such an approach makes it obvious that eating is a ritual here.
Further, the interior of the restaurant reflects the Japanese aesthetics to its full. Being designed and furnished in a typical orient style, the room grabs the attention of the visitor by small details like Maneki Neko, a nice figure of a cat with its paw raised which can be found at the receptionist. Maneki Neko, or a “fortune cat”, is a traditional Japanese symbol to bring prosperity in business.
As for innovations, the owners of the restaurant are likely to create an image that their institution is for people who keep their hand on the pulse of the time (Van der Veen 2003, p.421). Trying to be up-to-date, the owners have done their best to make it comfortable and easy to enjoy a meal either at a business lunch or a date. The Japanese are well-known for their high results in technological advance, and Spring Sushi also cares to prove it. In particular, the order system provides the guest with the opportunity to read the menu and make an order by means of the iPad on the table. Electronic dining experience makes the guest feel how caring and progressive the Japanese nation is.
As soon as the order is ready, the guest gets acquainted with the nuances of the Japanese cuisine. Just as Roland Barthes describes in Empire of Signs, the dishes are “slight in quantity but numerous” and the dishware “fulfill the definition of painting” (Barthes 1983, p.83). The attention to details characterizes the Japanese nation as exquisite, scrupulous, and patient. Moreover, the entire atmosphere makes the guests feel how etiquette and manners are important, and each of them tries to behave apparently. It is rather oriental to eat without haste. Instead, harmonious and warm atmosphere makes you relax and forget about daily routine. After all, it is almost impossible to eat quickly with chopsticks which make each visitor a little bit Japanese.
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