Sometimes the word semiotics is used and sometimes it is not. In this article it appears only once.
Alternate terms to search include:
symbol or symbolism
representation
meaning
association
Sometimes searching for the history of the topic can uncover new approaches:
In PROQUEST, you can search: Umbrella and History
Results include:
Zhou, R. (2016, Sep 27). Delving into the history of fans and umbrellas. The Daily Telegraph Retrieved from http://myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/docview/1827865952?accountid=14771
In EBSCO, you can search: Umbrellas and symbol
Results include non-scholarly articles which can be helpful to confirm or inspire ideas:
Martin, Andrew. “Class Conscious.” New Statesman, vol. 128, no. 4462, Nov. 1999, p. 12. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=2496778&site=ehost-live.
PLUS: You may want to combine one of these approaches with one that focuses on “media and semiotics”
Additional Search Tips:
Sample Topic: film and semiotics
--film or motion pictures
--semiotic* and film*