Unraveling Culture

and Tradition
through Semiotic
Review

By: Ma. Genelah O. Dorde

Background of the Study
Many people believe in
heroes, who are selfless
and willing to sacrifice
themselves to benefit
others. Heroes also exist
in different cultures,
and they usually
represent courage and
adventures. According to
Joseph Campbell’s theory,
heroes in stories undergo
Background of the Study
The researcher learns
that people are not born
to be hero; just like Po,
he is just a normal panda
who is totally not suited
or awkward to Kung Fu;
but through perseverance,
training, and
hardworking, he can
become a Kung Fu master,
and make his dream come
Background of the Study
This research will
discover how Chinese
culture and ideas about
heroes or warriors are
exposed in Mark Osborne
and John Stevenson’s Kung
Fu Panda. Kung Fu Panda
brings viewers to the
world of powerful master,
brave warriors,
supportive father, and
Rationale of the Study
This study aimed to unravel the culture and tradition
depicted in the movie, Kung Fu Panda through semiotic
review which refers to the broad theoretical
hypothesis of symbols and signs that pacts
particularly with their meaning in both synthetically
created and natural words. It is composed of three
(3) signs, namely: Iconic, symbolic, and indexical sign.
Rationale of the Study
It presented the answers on the different iconic,
symbolic, and indexical signs found in the movie. This
study answered the following questions: What are the
different symbolic, indexical, and iconic signs found in
the movie Kung Fu Panda? What is the meaning of
each sign in the context of Chinese culture and
tradition? What are the implications of the movie Kung
Fu Panda based on the meanings of these signs?
Rationale of the Study
This study used descriptive-qualitative research
employing interpretative criticism. Interpretative
criticism allows the researcher to concentrate on the
meaning of the signs found, the descriptions of each
sign, and the different Chinese culture and tradition
embedded in each sign. Thus, this movie is a culture-
based one; a fantasy-reality based as well.
Semiotic Analysis of the Movie
Kung Fu Panda
 ICONIC SIGNS
SIGNS MEANING IMPLICATIONS EMBEDDED CULTURE
AND TRADITION

Po Chinese as Persevering
Precious Peace A Persevering Leader Individuals
Master Shifu A Great Second Father,
Powerhouse Father’s Role in China
Friend and Mentor

Oogway Metaphoric One Wisdom Elder’s Role in China

Tai Lung Dark Heart The Fighter Chinese with Feeling of

Discontentment

Furious Five Gods and Goddesses’ Role in

Formidable Ones The Protectors
China
Mr. Ping A Strict but Loving
Overprotective One Father’s Role in China
Father
 SYMBOLIC SIGNS
SIGNS MEANING IMPLICATIONS EMBEDDED CULTURE
AND TRADITION

Wisdom,
Chinese as Powerful
Authority Knowledge,
Oogway’s Individuals
Experience, Power,
Wooden Staff
Authority

Chinese as Brave and

Dragon Scroll Limitless Power Believe in Yourself Hardworking Individuals

Peach Tree of Longevity and Renewal and Peach symbolizes

Heavenly Renewal Rebirth Immortality
Wisdom
 INDEXICAL SIGNS
SIGNS MEANING IMPLICATIONS EMBEDDED CULTURE
AND TRADITION

Superiority comes from Chinese as Powerful

Power Power
within Individuals
Weakness into Weakness can be Weakness into The Positivity of Chinese
Strength turned to Strength Strength

Determination Chinese are Determined

Determination and Determination and
and and Persevering
Perseverance Perseverance
Perseverance Individuals
The Acceptance of
Acceptance Accept who you are Acceptance
Chinese
Trust Believe in Yourself Trust The Trust of Chinese
The Calm Mind of
Peace Peaceful Mind Peace
Chinese
Past vs. Present
Lessons across time Past vs. Present Live in this Moment