Semiotics Continued

Abstract

This chapter continues the explanation of semiotics introduced in the previous chapter. This chapter explains that signs can be categorised in three main ways. The first relates to the main intrinsic feature of the sign itself. This first trichotomy of signs consists of a qualisign, a sinsign and a legisign and expresses the characteristics of a sign. The second trichotomy is a result of the function of the object in relation to the sign and consists of an icon, an index and a symbol. This is the most well known of Peirce’s explanation of his sign system. The third trichotomy of signs indicates the manner in which the interpretant is represented by the sign and consists of a rheme, a dicisgn and an argument. Within each of the trichotomies there are three different modes of representation of how signs represent or signify. The first of these is through the qualities or characteristics of the sign, the second draws on existent facts as the basis of the sign’s operation and thirdly, the sign uses conventions, laws or general principles as the basis of the sign. The chapter includes a number of examples to illustrate how Peirce’s ideas can help us understand the process of teaching and learning in higher education.