What is semiotics? This term is applied in a wide range of disciplines from literary theory and film to law, architecture and communication studies. But what does it actually mean and how can we use it? "Key Terms in Semiotics "provides exactly the information that a student needs when encountering semiotics for the first time or as a more advanced reader wishing to do in-depth readings.

Since the Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to J. M. G. Le Clezio in 2008, there has been a wave of new interest in his oeuvre. This book traces the evolution of the writer's postcolonial thought from his early works to his groundbreaking autobiographical novel Revolutions, arguably his most subversive text to date. The author shows how Le Clezio's critique of colonialism is rooted in an early denunciation of capitalism and philosophical dualism, and sheds new light on the crucial roles played by Jean-Paul Sartre, Aime Cesaire and Frantz Fanon in his development. The author's close reading of Revolutions reveals a complex system of interconnections between the colonial conflicts from the 1700s to the 1900s, with recurrent patterns of violence, cultural repression and racism. The issue of neocolonialism is addressed and the persistence of the colonial mindset in contemporary Europe and Westernized countries is shown to echo the findings of Paul Gilroy, Max Silverman and Etienne Balibar. The book concludes with an examination of the utopian elements underpinning Revolutions, establishing close affinities with the work of Edouard Glissant and developing the notion of permanent revolution. Themes explored include those of storytelling, cultural memory, cultural identity, language, intertextuality and interculturality.

What is semiotics? What does it mean? How does it work? Over the past few decades, semiotics has increasingly gained popularity and yet, to many, the very term remains an enigma. This Dictionary of Semiotics is a much-needed reference book for the terms and models used in the semiotic approach. Based on the theory evolved by the Paris School of semiotics founded by A.J. Greimas, the work is exceptional in that it combines a wordbook with detailed explanation of theory and a host of practical illustrations. An initial definition of the concept, coupled with a brief historical overview of the elaboration of European semiotic theory, is followed by a specialized lexicon of its metalanguage. Expressed in lucid terms, the definitions are clarified further by readily understood examples. In the final section of the volume, a semiotic analysis of a well-known fairy-tale provides a practical example of the method, both illustrating how semiotic models can be helpful in probinf effects of meaning on the textual surface and showing how to integrate them into wider contexts.In contrast to the highly technical semiotic dictionary produced in France, which addresses a specialized readership only, this work is accessible to students of all levels. Aiming at a wide range of readers, it can be used in course work as well as for reference. Bronwen Martin and Felizitas Ringham are both Associate Research Fellows at Birbeck College, University of London.

What is semiotics? This highly interdisciplinary term is used in literary theory, film studies and linguistics, but what does it mean, and how can we use it? "Key Terms in Semiotics" provides exactly the information that a student needs when encountering semiotics for the first time or as a more advanced reader wishing to do in-depth semiotic readings. The book has an introduction providing a brief historical overview of the field and an explanation what semiotic theory actually is; definitions of key terms in semiotics with practical examples and illustrations of each, ranging from simple to more complex definitions; outlines of the work of key thinkers in semiotics including Saussure, Levi-Strauss and Merleau-Ponty; key readings for students wishing to pursue further avenues of study in each area. Written in an accessible and lucid style, this book is an essential resource for anyone studying semiotics, with a background in any subject.