Logo image
The semiotics of intercultural exchange: Ostensive definition and digital reason
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The semiotics of intercultural exchange: Ostensive definition and digital reason

H. Ruthrof
Semiotica, Vol.157(1-4), pp.387-410
2005
pdf
the_semiotics_of_intercultural_exchange.pdfDownloadView
Published (Version of Record) Open Access
url
Link to Published Version *Subscription may be requiredView

Abstract

The paper distinguishes two forms of intercultural exchange, negotiation between cultures at a personal level and global exchange. In the first case, Ostensive Definition appears to be crucial. The paper attempts an intersemiotic rehabilitation of OD in response to Wittgenstein and Quine. In global intercultural exchange the ‘universal grammar’ of digital reason appears to be the crucial component to be analysed. Both forms of negotiation, the paper argues, rely on Vorstellung as an essential ingredient. Yet Vorstellung is missing from the traditional theorisation of both OD and the digital bitstream. The paper concludes with a ubiquity thesis of Vorstellung.

Details

Metrics

641 File views/ downloads
151 Record Views
Logo image