Encyclopedic Dictionary of Semiotics, Media, and Communications

by Marcel Danesi (Editor)

Semiotics, Media Studies and Communication Studies are three closely interlinked fields. Briefly stated, Semiotics, the science of signs, looks at how humans search for and construct meaning; Communication Studies is concerned with how meaning is conveyed; and Media Studies considers the ways in which messages are transmitted and received. This dictionary is designed to help students and general readers unlock the significance of the terminology and jargon commonly used in these fields.

Being interdisciplinary in nature, Semiotics, Media, and Communication Studies are cluttered with notions derived from other disciplines. Hence, this dictionary also encompasses basic concepts from the fields of anthropology, archaeology, psychology, psychoanalysis, linguistics, philosophy, artificial intelligence, computer science, and biology. Collected here are the terms, concepts, personages, schools of thought, and historical movements that appear frequently in the relevant literature.

The basis of each entry is a simple definition, which often includes the term's origin. Illustrations are provided where necessary, along with historical sketches of movements or schools of thought. The commentary on personages consists of brief statements about their contribution and relevance. Thus, the dictionary not only defines what a term means, but often goes into its history, applications, and broad implications. Terms are cross-referenced and their etymology is given where possible.

This is a compact, practical research manual that will relieve much tension for students in semiotics and related fields. Because of its interdisciplinary approach, it will also provide a range of scholars with a handy reference to disciplines distinct from but related to their own.

400 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2000

About the author

Marcel Danesi (b. Marcello Danesi, 1946) is a current Professor of Semiotics and Linguistic Anthropology at the University of Toronto. He is known for his work in language, communications, and semiotics; being Director of the Program in Semiotics and Communication Theory.

He has also held positions at Rutgers University (1972), The University of Rome "La Sapienza" (1988), the Catholic University of Milan (1990), and the University of Lugano.

He is the Editor-in-Chief of Semiotica: Journal of the International Association for Semiotic Studies and is a past-president of the Semiotic Society of America.

Reviews

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I searched through an encyclopedia or a dictionary! I did not recall it being so exhilarating to do so.

I think this introduction from Danesi helps outline the intentions:

“Semiotics, media, and communications are three closely linked fields. Briefly stated, semiotics, the science of signs, looks at how humans search for and construct meaning; communication studies is concerned with how meaning is conveyed; and media studies considers the ways in which messages are transmitted and received. This dictionary is designed to help students and general readers unlock the significance of the terms commonly used in these fields.”

Skimming through, mostly, I was captured now and then by the words, names and concepts that I’d like to be briefed on again, aware that what’s binding the book’s curation is this notion of meaning-making. This actually did heighten my interest in the definitions. From “cognitive dissonance” to “fairytale” to “graffiti”, and “public broadcasting service”. To “Socrates” and “public space”. My thoughts were placing areas of study closer together than normal which created a natural stir of reflection, reevaluation and, in the end, refreshed appreciation.

Without being too critical, this book is an eclectic launch point for new thoughts and curiosity to follow-up on with more time and resources.

[Auli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good overview of media-related semiotic vocabulary