D

A definition, used by linguists and sometimes by semioticians to denote signs that relate directly to the temporal, spatial, or personal aspects of the situation in which the utterance or discourse takes place. Now/then; here/there; I/you and this/that are deictic...

To learn more about denotation, please visit the connotation article.

An object, event, or thing of any kind, denoted by a word or expression, to which the word or sentence refers. The terms denotation and reference, as used by Charles Morris, almost always coincide in reference (Bedeutung) and meaning (Sinn).

From Greek, dia- through, across and Chronos, time. Dealing with phenomena (e.g., the spelling of words or grammar rules) according to their changes over a period of time; more roughly, the equivalent of historical or temporal. Ferdinand de Saussure clearly...

A definition, meaning different or distinctive. In order for anything to function as a sign, it needs to be distinguished from other units also used as signs. Because Ferdinand de Saussure pays considerable attention to how signs are derived from their differences,...

A type of sign in which the iconic function is the dominant sign function, but also the symbolic and index functions are clearly present. If a coach sketches a diagram of the match on the blackboard, he constructs a sign that in some important aspect resembles his...

In the most general sense - the process that involves oppositions (for example, one might say that history is a dialectic of spontaneity and tension), more narrowly - the process that leads to the synthesis or reconciliation of opposing forces or factors.

Dialogism is a doctrine or orientation based on dialogue. Dialogue is a semiotic process of mutual exchange, often used as a model to explain or shed light on phenomena that are not otherwise used as a reference to this process. For example, experience is seen as a...

A type of discourse characterized by the communication of many participants; a literary genre modeled on conversation (e.g. Plato's dialogues). Martin Buber explored the nature and forms of dialogue, focusing mainly on dialogue as an existential exchange between Me...

A term proposed by Charles S. Peirce to denote a specific type of sign or sign function, namely, that roughly speaking, corresponding to the message. This sign is part of the triad or trichotomy: rheme, dicent, and argument. Peirce singles out this trichotomy in the...