Journey: Journal of English Language and Pedagogy
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2025): Journey: Journal of English Language and Pedagogy (on going)

The Use of Arbitrary Signs in A-Mild Cigarette Advertising: A Ferdinand de Saussure Semiotic Study

Meiyanti Nurchaerani (Universitas Esa Unggul)
Ario Pamungkas (Universitas Esa Unggul)
Alfian (Universitas Esa Unggul)
Syahiid Hidayatullah Rizkyka Hartadhi (Universitas Padjadjaran)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study examines the communication strategy used in the Sampoerna A-Mild cigarette advertisement “Solusi Lo, Masalah Buat Gue” within the context of Indonesia’s strict advertising regulations. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach and Ferdinand de Saussure’s semiotic framework, the research analyzes how visual and verbal signifiers such as urban heat, traffic congestion, and the motorcyclists’ actions are linked to signified meanings including frustration, pragmatism, and individual initiative. The findings show that these signs are intentionally connected through arbitrary associations that construct a narrative of resourcefulness and non-conformity. The slogan “Solusi Lo, Masalah Buat Gue” functions as the central linguistic element that unifies the advertisement’s sign system and contributes to an implied identity distinction between individuals who act creatively and those affected by such actions. The study highlights how the advertisement communicates brand identity indirectly, demonstrating how cigarette companies adapt meaning-making strategies to operate within regulatory constraints. These findings expand the understanding of semiotic mechanisms in regulated advertising and show how arbitrary sign-linking serves as a strategic tool for maintaining brand presence without explicit product depiction.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

journey

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Journal title : Journey: Journal of English Language and Pedagogy Initials and abbreviation : Journey Grade : Sinta 4 Prefix DOI : 10.33503/journey E-ISSN and P-ISSN : 2654-5586 and 2623-0356 Editor in chief : Munawwir Hadiwijaya Managing Editor : Hernina Dewi Lestari Publisher : Insan Budi Utomo ...