It is common knowledge that language signs are arbitrary: there is no natural or necessary connection between the form of the sign and its meaning, However, certain signs clearly belong to the language but exhibit a non-arbitrary form (swish-swash, zigzag). In other cases, markers are considered para-linguistic due to their non-arbitrariness ("a looong looong train" or some co-gestures) but nonetheless demonstrate properties of linguistic signs. In this class we will explore the role of arbitrariness vs. iconicity in language. Employing Peirce' theory of signs, we will go beyond the typically assumed linguistic signs, exploring the boundaries between language and broader communication.
- Lehrende/r: Pavel Ozerov
Semester: SoSe 2020