Global Semiotics

Explains and illuminates the 20th-century metamorphosis of the ancient discipline of semiotics from a language-centered model to one that encompasses the whole biosphere.

The study of semiotics underwent a gradual but radical paradigm shift during the 20th century, from a glottocentric enterprise to one that encompasses the whole terrestrial biosphere. In this collection of 17 essays, Tom Sebeok, a thinker in the field, shows how this progression took place.

The study of semiotics underwent a gradual but radical paradigm shift during the past century, from a glottocentric (language-centered) enterprise to one that encompasses the whole terrestrial biosphere. In this collection of 17 essays, Thomas A. Sebeok, one of the seminal thinkers in the field, shows how this progression took place. His wide-ranging discussion of the evolution of the field covers many facets, including discussions of biosemiotics, semiotics as a bridge between the humanities and natural sciences, semiosis, nonverbal communication, cat and horse behavior, the semiotic self, and women in semiotics. This thorough account will appeal to seasoned scholars and neophytes alike.