TRANSDISCIPLINARITY OF SEMIOTICS
EDITORIAL
TRANSDISCIPLINARITY OF SEMIOTICS
Contemporary society, philosophical circles
of language, as well as the intention of scientists
to interpret or deconstruct the world are placed,
in what we might call the semiotic subject service
in the light of new axiological mutations. In other
words, the new epistem of contemporary
philosophies is related to the idea that the only
reality is the sign.
Semiotics is considered to be a discipline that
has in its investigation field the language(s) and
significance / communication practices as social
practices. Over time this discipline has received
various definitions that tried to define its
epistemic horizons. Most attempts to define the
domain of semiotics came from the philosophy
of language, logic and linguistics. However, we
learn from the semiotician Thomas A. Sebeok
that semiotics has its roots in medicine.
Medical diagnosis is therefore a semiotic
science since it is based on the principle that the
physical symptom is not represented by itself,
but on an internal state or condition. However,
later researches in the field will separate the
concept of symptom from that of sign, bringing
it closer to semiotics than the second.
The first attempts to analyze the sign in non-
medical terms appear in the works of the ancient
philosophers, such as Aristotle (384-322 BC) and
philosophers from the Stoic school, and especially
Augustine (354-430 AD), thinkers who can be
considered founders of semiology, being those
who have discovered and formulated clearly the
semiological nature of human language.
On the path opened by Aristotle, the philosophers
of the Stoic school will also develop a semiotic
theory of the verbal sign, a theory still valid
nowadays. Thus, in the view of Stoic philosophers,
the process of speaking involves three elements: a)
the sound emitted as a material element; b) the
concept or what is in the thought as an immaterial
element, called expressible; and c) the designated
object, existing in the material world.
Only during the Renaissance philosophers
such as R. Descartes, J. Locke, G.W. Leibnitz, I.
Kant, G.W.F. Hegel will include the concept of
sign in their philosophical systems, from logic
and epistemology to knowledge theory and
metaphysics. For instance, the English
philosopher John Locke has created the term of
semiotics, defining its area as a teaching of signs,
and arguing that the role of this discipline is to
investigate the nature of the signs that serve to
the mind for understanding things or to transmit
its knowledge others.
John Locke establishes two coordinates, such
as: a) words or verbal signs are not a class of
signs; while b) for people this class is the
privileged one. The English philosopher argues
that what we call linguistic universals or concepts
do not have an objective reality but, on the
contrary, are the creation of the human intellect,
and the significance is absolutely arbitrary, being
nothing more than signs of the concepts.
In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries,
two terms have circulated and, apparently,
created confusions or misunderstandings
between the theoreticians of sign and relation
between the signs, namely semiology and
semiotics. I have used so far both concepts, but
I believe that in order to continue our scientific
approach, it is necessary to clarify this possible
confusion. According to position taken by both
linguists and philosophers, the two concepts can
intersect or differentiate, depending on the level
of the epistemic operation. Thus, we find the
term of SEMIOLOGY in Saussure. Thus, the
Swiss linguist, along with the French School,
introduces the terminology of the word
semiology, a term that takes into account the
linguistic model and the verbal semiotics. In
Saussure’s sense, semiology is a study of the life
of signs within the social life or that part of social
psychology and consequently of general
psychology.
150 Volume 7 • Issue 3, July / September 2017 •
Paul GORBAN
Among the philosophers who have made a
special contribution in defining the field of
semiotics, we find the American Charles William
Morris who believes that it would be desirable
that the terminology with which linguistics
operates in interpreting the signs of the language
to be defined in semiotic terms.
We have to note that in the history of the
disciplines that analyze the production of signs
and the relationship between them, there are
theoreticians who have identified semiology as
a part of the whole, semiotics, an idea particularly
encountered at John Deely, but disputed by
Georges Mounim.
Among the most recent researches, the
approach of the italian scientist Umberto Eco
seems relevant to us. In his opinion, general
semiotics (the one that includes semiology in its
field of investigation) will have to include in its
terminology a codes and a sign production
theory. Attempting to establish the status of
semiotics (through a didactic exposure) Umberto
Eco reveals the two situations in which this can
be encountered, namely: a) as a discipline and b)
as a field of research.
Being generated by the Linguistic Schools of
the last century, as well as by the researches of
the language philosophy and logic, semiotics has
been imposed as being an independent science,
offering a territory of coherence, consistency and
scientificity, integrating both human sciences and
nature sciences with the formalized ones (logical-
mathematical or, more recently, cyberspace). In
this sense, semiotics, in which semiology also
finds the epistemic foundation, is shown in the
terms discussed by Basarab Nicolescu as an
interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary science that
supports man in understanding, creating and
interpreting the world (as an ensemble of signs
and relationships of signs). In this respect, A.J.
Greimas, in an interview regarding semiotics
published in La Monde journal, says that the
greatest merit of today’s semiotics is that it
brought to light in the research laboratories, areas
there were less taken into account by the old
culture.
Assoc. Prof. PhD Paul GORBAN
„Apollonia” University of Iaşi, Romania
FATHER’S TEACHINGS: PEACE
Abstract
The present paper presents the book Liniştea (Peace),
the first of a series of books written by Iacob Ghergheluţă,
a Roman Catholic priest who uses the ancient technique of
answering questions in order to offer the reader a way to
achieve peace, happiness, self awareness and help him live
a good, peaceful and meaningful life. His teachings are
useful not only to the believers, but also to all those who
find themselves in suffering and want to restore harmony
and health into their lives. This present book is a sort of
manual of peace for the ones who want to find it. This is
a religious, an ethics book and a psychology book, as the
author’s experience with people’s problems allowed him
to make a sort of radiography in order to help solve those
problems.
Keywords: peace, aggression, forgiveness, to live in the
present moment, unconditional love, breathing.
MASS MEDIA INFORMATION SOURCE IN ELECTORAL CAMPAIGNS OR A POLITICAL ACTOR?
Abstract
Election campaigns are the top-level agreements in the
cyclical process called political communication. Political
communication involves a set of techniques and
technologies where the media is not only a link between
the political actor and the spectator. The media establishes
relationships between political mediatization and
globalization, between politics and the Internet, highlights
the reconciliation between ethics and politics, between the
political action and the exerting influence on the voting
option. For a quarter of a century of democratic
transformations of the media society in R M has evolved
from print media partly distributed through sales and
mail, from radio broadcast to new digital media. According
to the research, not even a quarter of the citizens believe
in the Parliament they have chosen, in the media has
confidence almost half (45%) of the population. For (74%)
of citizens, the most important source of information is
television, followed by the Internet (35%) and radio (22%).
Printed media is preferred by 19% of the population. The
Internet is used every day by about 64% of the population
and 20.8% think that the Internet tells the truth about the
situation in Moldova, placing it on the same spot as
television (20.2%). We will analyze the activity of the
audiovisual media and the Internet in electoral campaigns
based on the preferences of the citizens.
Keywords: political communication, mass media, electoral
campaigns, deontological norms, legislation, non-governmental
organizations, monitoring, partiality, impartiality, ethical
equity, voting option.
GENDER DIMENSION IN MARGINALIZED RURAL COMMUNITIES
Abstract
The status of women living in the rural European space
is extremely varied, as their living and cultural conditions
differ considerably from one zone to another; on the other
side, it goes without saying that the programs of rural
development cannot solve the difficult issue of the equality
of gender. The main aspect to be mentioned here is that only
scarce information is available on the (in)equality of gender,
respectivley on the situation of women from the rural areas
of Europe. In most of the cases, the main difficulties women
have to face in the society of today refer to their obligation
of playing a double role: to take care of their families, while
also entering the market of labor for attaining financial
independence. In marginalized, poor communities,
considered as extremely problematic, being characterized
by low-income households, and inhabited by people with a
low educational and competence level, a high ratio of single
mothers, numerous children and a high delinquency
(WORLD BANK, 2016), assuming of such a double role
might appear as a desiderate. Unfortunately, the main
burden is the absence of a stable job and, therefore, of an
increased income, generally insufficient for supporting a
numerous family – a most common situation in these rural
zones. More than that, women from marginalized
communities are exposed to higher risks of poverty and
social exclusion, as a result of restricted access to education,
health services and social assistance. All these observations,
along with other aspects of socio-economic nature which
women from the rural areas are confronted with, have been
approached in a complex social inquiry organized in 6
marginalized rural communities - Răuseni (Botoşani
district), Andrieşeni, Vlădeni, Hălăuceşi and Slobozia (Iaşi
district), Negreşti (Vaslui county).
Keywords: gender, marginalised communities, rural
Romania.
DIFFICULTIES OF THE INTEGRATION OF THE RUSSIAN-SPEAKING COMMUNITY IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA: CONSEQUENCES ON NATIONAL SECURITY
Abstract
The specifics of the post-Soviet state Republic of
Moldova is that the Russian-speaking community
comprises not only the Russian national minority (5.95%),
but also other ethnic minorities – Ukrainian (8.34%),
Bulgarian (1.94%) Gagauz (4.36%) – which were subjected
in Soviet times to an intense process of denationalization
and Russification. Its integration into the Moldovan culture
is quite low. A bad integration into Moldovan society, a
poor knowledge of Moldovan (Romanian) language by the
Russian-speaking minority leads to the fact that they prefer
the Eastern vector, despite the clear advantages offered by
the European integration. The success of a good forward
of the country on the path of European integration,
supported by a reinforced majority of Moldovan society,
involves making efforts to a better integration of Russian-
speaking community.
Keywords: Integration, Russian-speaking community,
separatism, societal security, Republic of Moldova.
PERCEIVED EFFECTIVENESS OF TRADITIONAL MEDIA OF INFORMATION DISSEMINATION BY FARMERS IN IKOT ABASI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
The study examined the Perceived Effectiveness of
Traditional Media of Information Dissemination by
Farmers in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa
Ibom State. The study was carried out in Ikot Abasi Local
Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. From the
multi- stage sampling technique employed, one hundred
and forty respondents were randomly selected. Primary
data were collected through the use of interview schedule.
Descriptive statistics and 4-points likert scale was used to
analyze the socio- economics features of the farmers. The
result reveals that the mean age of the respondents was
41years while majority (80.7%) of the respondents were
female. Most of them were widowed (58.6%) and their
mean household size of 6persons. They had N 24,428 as
their average monthly income and their mean years of
farming experiences were 22years. The town crier was
indicated as the most popular medium (84.29%) of
communicating messages to farmers. The study therefore
concludes that all facets of traditional media enhances high
inclination to the farmers except that emphasis on the use
of local trees, animals, landscape and weather as means of
information delivery have tremendously reduced due to
environmental factors such as deforestation, excessive land
use, bush burning and hunting activities in the area.
Keywords: Perceived Effectiveness, Traditional Media,
Akwa Ibom State.
THE TRIBE OF THE INTELLECTUALS
Abstract
“The tribe of the intellectuals” is a metaphor which
holds many facets. One can say that it represents a place
where we can find the most brilliant minds of all times.
These people convinced us that the progress of humanity
can only be based on their extraordinary achievements, in
fields such as: history, literature, science, politics,
economics, and others. The aim of this article is to define
intellectuality, discover its origins and identify the reasons
why young people nowadays may want to be a part of this
group. The university is one of the primary sources of
intellectuals and the number of intellectuals increased
considerably in the last decades. A comprehensive
classification of intellectuals is hard to achieve since there
are numerous options available. However, this article
analyses the various types of intellectuals which I find the
most significant, offering examples both from the past and
from the present.
Keywords: intellectuals, tribe of intellectuals, education,
society.
THE PRACTICE OF OPEN DEFECATION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA: A CALL FOR SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATION INTERVENTION
Abstract
The prevalent practice of open defecation in third
world countries is a thing of worry to both development
and health communication scholars worldwide. This is an
awful practice where people defecate in bushes, rivers and
open spaces outside designated toilets. Worst still is the
attitude of rural dwellers in Nigeria who in most cases
defecate in rivers and lakes which serves as sources of
drinking water in those communities without recourse to
the environmental and health consequences of their
actions. In most rural communities, this practise is deeply
tied to their culture and tradition, hence making it a big
challenge to overcome. The United Nations had in 2010
declared access to safe drinking-water and sanitation a
human right but this is not yet in force in Nigeria. This
paper adopted the Diffusion of Innovation theory which
emphasises the adoption of modern practices as obtainable
in developed societies. The paper highlights the roles
Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) can
play in addressing the behavioural and attitudinal
challenges affecting the eradication of open defecation in
Nigeria. It is recommended that governments at all levels,
NGOs, and international agencies should provide modern
facilities, enforcing laws, and policies that can help curb
this practice among rural dwellers.
Keywords: Open defecation, sanitation, cultural practices,
SBCC, rural communities, Nigeria.
AUDIENCE OPINION POLL AND THE TARGET AUDIENCE IN THE AUDIOVISUAL
Abstract
The sociologists who write and interpret opinion polls
choose their target audience according to the topic under
analysis at the request of the client. However, more than
once, this audience is subject to direct or subliminal
information campaigns through mass media, with the
purpose of forming a seemingly personal opinion on the
topic. No matter how much journalists claim that it is a
mere coincidence to disseminate this information just
before the opinion poll, there are reasonable suspicions
that contradict the good intentions of the media channel.
The consequence is to be noticed in the result of the opinion
poll, which practically validates what the customer who
requested the survey actually wanted. Respondents are
convinced that the answers given in the survey are their
own ponts of view on the topic. In reality, these opinions
have been heavily influenced by previous information in
the media. In conclusion, these surveys are just some
responses in the mirror of the target audience.
Keywords: poll, target audience, media, manipulation.
THE NEED OF KNOWLEDGE, CONSCIENCE AND CONSCIENTIOUSNESS IN THE DIDACTIC ACT
Abstract
In a complicated, fluid and versatile world, power is
no longer held by those who possess information as,
nowadays, information is available to everybody. The one
who has knowledge, namely the capacity to understand
the world in which one lives, has the opportunity to
progress. Knowledge helps neither the one who knows nor
the one who expects support for his development, in the
absence of the conscientiousness on the role to be played,
within the education process, by both magister and
disciple. Accordingly, no quality leap can be registered in
the absence of one’s own conscience – especially social
conscience. Such objectives, of bringing together
knowledge, conscience and conscientiousness, and social
awareness may transform the society of today.
Keywords: education, knowledge, conscience,
conscientiousness, character.
THE PARAMETER EFFECT IN HANDOVER IN THE MOBILE WIMAX
Abstract
New data services are becoming larger in demand
on a data rate in access systems. The appearance of
technology, which allows high speed broadband wireless
access, is WiMAX.This technology depends on the
standards IEEE 802.16.There are many versions, which
differ mainly between user mobility support. We discuss
about the description of the WiMAX mobile and some
parameter effect in handover, handover is a key need for
the implementation of aneffective mobility framework in
WiMAX systems and the process used while in movement
of users, then the improvement of handover. In this paper
firstly we discuss the different standards of mobile wimax,
after that the handover in mobile wimax, and different
types of handover, then how to parameter the effect in
handover, finally we used opnet to present the results.
Keyword: handover, Wimax, IEEE 802.16, mobility,
MDHO, HHO, FBSS.
