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,...
Semiology Glossary
Diagram
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...
Dialectic
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
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...
Dialogue
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...
Dicent
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...
Dichotomy
Two-element division or difference, used especially between mutually exclusive objects. While the trichotomy divides objects into trinities, the dichotomy divides them into pairs. Related: Dualism
Dicisign
A term used by Charles S. Peirce as a synonym for Dicent. Roughly speaking - a sign corresponding to a message in the context of its utterance.
Dictionary vs. Encyclopedia
Two different ways of explaining the meaning or content of sememes (the most basic units of meaning in the semiotic system, normally understood as language). The dictionary model is based on the assumption that there are a finite number of sememes in which all other...
Différance
A word used by Jacques Derrida as part of his critique of phonocentrism and the metaphysics of presence. It is a playful word because it plays with two meanings of differ (to differ and to defer). In addition, the word itself shows the dependence of speech on...
Connect
Latest posts:
Autogenesis
Self-genesis or self-origin. Autogenesis is a process by which something grows on its own and is not produced by an external agent or force.
Autonomy
On the one hand, terms mean freedom. In another, more specific sense - the uniqueness of the literary work, or, in a more general sense - the uniqueness of the semiotic system - its ability to relate to itself. Roman Jakobson and others use the term to denote the...
Autotelic
From Greek auto- and telos, meaning self- and goal or end. A process or practice that has no function or purpose other than itself. If you and I talk only for the purpose of having a conversation, refusing to subordinate this pleasure to any external purpose, our...
Auxilliant
A term used by A.J. Greimas, for denoting a unit of narrative analysis by simplifying the original list of six actants (subject, object, sender, recipient, helper, and opponent). Recently, Greimas has classified a helper and an opponent as auxiliants (i.e., helpers).
Axiology
The study of values. The adjective axiological could mean that which is permanent in the study of values, or, more generally, the values themselves.
Free Course in Semiology
A completely and truly free course on Semiology (Semiotics). Learn about the meaning of signs, how and why did the field emerged. What is the relationship between the street signs and the signs that we use every day - words.
