Routledge Dictionary of Language and Linguistics
semiotics (also sign theory)
The theory of linguistic and non-linguistic signs and signing processes to which the study of natural languages, as the most comprehensive system, is central. Besides language and communication theory, many humanistic disciplines are concerned with theories of non-linguistic signs (aesthetics, graphic design, art, mythology, psychoanalysis, cultural anthropology, religious studies, to name a few). C.W. Morris distinguishes the following areas of study: (a) the syntactic aspect, i.e. the relation between different signs (
syntax); (b) the semantic aspect, i.e. the relation between the sign and its meaning ( semantics); and (c) the pragmatic aspect, i.e. the relation between the sign and the sign user ( pragmatics). ( also semiology)
References
Bense, M. and E.Walther (eds) 1973. Wörterbuch der Semiotik. Cologne.
Bühler, K. 1934. Sprachtheorie. Jena. (Repr. Stuttgart, 1965.)
Eco, U. 1976. A theory of semiotics. Bloomington, IN.
——1984. Semiotics and the philosophy of language. Bloomington, IN.
Greimas, A.-J. and J.Courtes. 1979. Semiotique: dictionnaire raisonné de la théorie du langage. Paris.
Haarmann, H. 1990. Language in its cultural embedding: explorations in the relativity of signs and sign systems. Berlin and New York.
Krampe, M. et al. (eds) 1987. Classics of semiotics. New York and London.
Manning, P.K. 1987. Semiotics and fieldwork. London.
Morris, C.W. 1938. Foundations of the theory of signs. Chicago, IL.
——1946. Sign, language and behavior. New York.
——1971. Writings on the general theory of signs. The Hague.
Peirce, C.S. 1931–58. Collected papers of Charles S. Peirce, ed. C.Hartshorne, P.Weiss, and A.W. Burks. 8 vols. Cambridge, MA.
——1955. Philosophical writings of Peirce, ed. J. Buchler. New York.
Prower, E. 1990. Linguistics and C.S.Peirce’s semiotics: two incompatible paradigms? Linguistica Silesiana 11.7–20.
Rey-Debove, J. 1979. Lexique semiotique. Paris.
Saussure, F.de.
1916. Cours de linguistique générale. Paris, (Course in general linguistics, trans. R.Harris. London, 1983.)
Schleifer, R. 1987. A.J. Greimas and the nature of meaning: linguistics, semiotics and discourse theory. London and Sydney.
Sebeok, T.A. 1974. Semiotics. In T.A.Sebeok (ed.), Current trends in linguistics. The Hague. Vol. 12, 211–64.
——1976. Contribution to the doctrine of signs. Bloomington, IN.
——(ed.) 1986. Encyclopedic dictionary of semiotics. Berlin, New York, and Amsterdam. (2nd rev. edn 1994.)
——1994. An introduction to semiotics. London.
——and I.Smith. 1991. American signatures: semiotic inquiry and method. Norman, OK.
——and J.Umiker-Sebeok (eds) 1987–. The semiotic web. Vol. 6 1992. Berlin.
Singh, J. (ed.) 1992. Semiosis and semiotics: explorations in the theory of signs. Delhi.
Spinks, C.W. 1991. Peirce and Triadomania: a walk in the semiotic wilderness. Berlin and New York.
Tejerea, V. 1988. Semiotics: from Peirce to Barthes. Amsterdam and Philadelphia.
Tobin, Y. 1990. Semiotics and linguistics. London.
Wolde, E.J.van. 1987. A semiotic analytical model: proceeding from Peirce’s and Greimas’ semiotics. Kodikas 10.195–212.
Bibliographies
Eschbach, A. 1974. Zeichen—Text—Bedeutung: Bibliographie zu Theorie und Praxis der Semiotik. Munich.
Eschbach, A. and V.Eschbach-Szabo. 1986. Bibliography of semiotics, 1975–1985. 2 vols. Amsterdam.
Eschbach, A. and W.Radler. 1976. SemiotikBibliographie. Frankfurt.
——1977. Kurze Bibliographie zur Geschichte der Semiotik. In R.Posner and H.-P.Reinecke (eds), Zeichenprozesse: semiotische Forschung in den Einzelwissenschaften. Wiesbaden. 355–67.
Journals
Kodikas.
Semiotika.
Zeitschrift für Semiotik.
language and cognition
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