Semic Code Analysis of Roland Barthes in Six Poems on the TikTok Account “Bang Kumis”

Abstract

This study aims to describe and interpret the meanings contained in six poems published on the TikTok account Bang Kumis using Roland Barthes’ semiotic approach, with a particular focus on the semic code. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method with data in the form of poetry videos obtained from digital media, which were observed repeatedly and transcribed into written texts. The transcribed data were analyzed descriptively and interpretatively by identifying linguistic signs that generate connotative meanings and interpreting them based on the social context underlying the poems. The findings show that the poems contain strong semic codes expressed through simple diction, emotional imagery, and reflective expressions representing human experiences such as longing, loss, anxiety, and life contemplation. The use of TikTok enables poetry to function not only as a literary work but also as a medium for conveying symbolic meanings closely related to everyday life. In conclusion, the analysis of semic codes using Roland Barthes’ semiotic approach is effective in revealing layers of connotative meaning in digital poetry.