2. ALGEBRAIC SEMIOTICS

Communication is mediated by signs, which occur in structured systems.

Context is important for meaning of signs:

For example, "Yes" can mean almost anything, given appropriate context.
Signs usually come in systems, not as individuals.

Semiotic theories are axiomatic theories for sign systems, having:

  1. sorts for signs,
  2. constructors for signs, and
  3. measures of their importance (values).
E.g., all displays for some application on a PDA.

First 2 use algebraic semantics; 3rd is partial orders on sorts & constructors.

Algebraic semiotics treats aspects of context with constructors that put signs in larger signs.

Formal, but interpretation is needed for human meaning;
this relies on values.
Algebraic semiotics should be used flexibly, and largely very informally.

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