Semiosphere
As semiospheres after Yuri Lotman a complex of a plurality of language systems referred to, which are in a functional relationship with each other.
Concept of the language system
In 1916, the linguist Ferdinand de Saussure introduced the distinction between the current speaking process (parole) and the permanent language system (langue). The language system - according to Saussure - offers through its subcomponents such as syntax, the supply of linguistic signs and the ability of the signs to relate to one another, the basis and prerequisite for people to be able to speak to one another.
example
In analogy terms, the relationship between language and the language system is similar to that of a drinking glass (as a "system"), which is the prerequisite for being able to transport water ("meaning") from A to B if necessary. In the "drinking glass" system, several sub-elements are already combined to form a functional unit, i. H. the side walls, the bottom and the opening at the upper edge of the glass stand in a superordinate context of the "container", which only becomes meaningful and useful if, for example, the properties of the "physical gravity" system are taken into account.
The relationships between language systems in the semiosphere
The cultural semiotics JM Lotman introduced the term semiosphere (semio = "the sign", sphere = "space") to refer to this mutual reference of language systems. Lotman writes:
“As one can assume now, in reality there are no sign systems that function completely exactly and functionally unambiguously and in an isolated form on their own [...] They only work because they are integrated into a certain semiotic continuum that with semiotic structures of different types, which are at different levels of organization, is filled. We want to call such a continuum [...] a semiosphere . "
Relevant to Lotman's statement are his references to the different "organizational levels" of the semiosphere. A language system does not occupy a certain rank in a hierarchically ordered system; rather, Lotman is concerned with the quality and range of the connections that speech systems enter into with one another.
example
The analogy of the drinking glass is used again for clarification: The drinking glass is already part of the semiosphere because it has a functional relationship (“container”) to other systems (“gravity”, “water”, ...). If the glass of water is used as a symbol in a play ("Thirst! Thirst! A kingdom for a glass of water!"), Its coupling is even more extensive and its level of organization is therefore more complex and qualitative.
literature
- Kotov, Kaie; Kull, Kalevi 2011. Semiosphere is the relational biosphere. In: Emmeche, Claus; Kull, Kalevi (eds.), Towards a Semiotic Biology: Life is the Action of Signs . London: Imperial College Press, 179-194.
- Lotman, Juri 2005 [1984]. On the semiosphere. Sign Systems Studies 33 (1): 215-239.