Semiotics / semiology Books

Book SynopsisBased on the BBC television series, John Berger''s Ways of Seeing is a unique look at the way we view art, published as part of the Penguin on Design series in Penguin Modern Classics.''Seeing comes before words. The child looks and recognizes before it can speak.''''But there is also another sense in which seeing comes before words. It is seeing which establishes our place in the surrounding world; we explain that world with words, but word can never undo the fact that we are surrounded by it. The relation between what we see and what we know is never settled.'' John Berger''s Ways of Seeing is one of the most stimulating and influential books on art in any language. First published in 1972, it was based on the BBC television series about which the Sunday Times critic commented: ''This is an eye-opener in more ways than one: by concentrating on how we look at paintings . . . he will almost certainly change the way you look at pictures.'' By now he has.John Berger (b. 1926) is an art critic, painter and novelist.born in Hackney, London. His novel G. (1972) won both the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the Booker Prize. If you enjoyed Ways of Seeing, you might like Susan Sontag''s On Photography, also available in Penguin Modern Classics.''Berger has the ability to cut right through the mystification of professional art critics ... he is a liberator of images: and once we have allowed the paintings to work on us directly, we are in a much better position to make a meaningful evaluation''Peter Fuller, Arts Review''The influence of the series and the book ... was enormous ... It opened up for general attention areas of cultural study that are now commonplace''Geoff Dyer in Ways of Telling''One of the most influential intellectuals of our time''Observer

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Book SynopsisThe Book of Symbols combines original and incisive essays about particular symbols with representative images from all parts of the world and all eras of history. The compelling texts and over 800 beautiful full-color images come together in a unique way to convey hidden dimensions of meaning. Each of the ca. 350 essays examines a given symbol’s psychic background, and how it evokes psychic processes and dynamics. Etymological roots, the play of opposites, paradox and shadow, the ways in which diverse cultures have engaged a symbolic image—all these factors are taken into consideration. Authored by writers from the fields of psychology, religion, art, literature, and comparative myth, the essays flow into each other in ways that mirror the psyche’s unexpected convergences. There are no pat definitions of the kind that tend to collapse a symbol; a still vital symbol remains partially unknown, compels our attention and unfolds in new meanings and manifestations over time. Rather than merely categorize, The Book of Symbols illuminates how to move from the visual experience of a symbolic image in art, religion, life, or dreams to directly experiencing its personal and psychological resonance.The Book of Symbols sets new standards for thoughtful exploration of symbols and their meanings, and will appeal to a wide range of readers: artists, designers, dreamers and dream interpreters, psychotherapists, self-helpers, gamers, comic book readers, religious and spiritual searchers, writers, students, and anyone curious about the power of archetypal images.Trade Review“Bright, optimistic, bountiful and brainy, it makes you reel with a sense of wonder at the complexity of the human mind and soul… You can’t ask for more than that.” * Creative Review *“...not just an interesting ecclesiastical read but a fascinating look at history through the eyes of ancient man.” * 125 Magazine *"... a potentially transformative reference work." * World of Interiors *"Yes, the 807 page book is a doorstop. But it is also a stairway to heaven. The amazing gift is not its weight or its cover, but what lies between: a tangible (r)evolution in consciousness." * HuffingtonPost.com *

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Book SynopsisThis remarkable and wide-ranging book is an inventory of symbols and the symbolic imagination. The editors and their fifteen contributors are drawn from a variety of scholarly backgrounds—including anthropology, ethnology, psychotherapy and art history. This diversity of approach is responsible for the book's unique character, a reflection of the multiplicity of symbols and signs and the phenomenal range of possible interpretations they offer. This book draws together folklore, literary and artistic sources, and focuses on the symbolic dimension of every colour, number, sound, gesture, expression or character trait that has benefitted from symbolic interpretation. The conscious and unconscious minds are explored, desire and dreams are treated alongside the known and the chronicled. Extraordinary in its range and eclecticism, this dictionary was originally published in French as the Dictionnaire des Symboles, and it is regarded as the standard work on the subject.

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Book SynopsisRoland Barthes was born in 1915 and studied French literature and classics at the University of Paris. After teaching French at universities in Romania and Egypt, he joined the Centre National de Recherche Scientifique, where he devoted himself to research in sociology and lexicology. He was a professor at the College de France until his death in 1980.Trade ReviewOf all his works it is the most accessible in language and the most revealing about the author. And effortlessly, as if in passing, his reflections on photography raise questions and doubts which will permanently affect the vision of the reader * Guardian *Roland Barthes' final book - less a critical essay than a suite of valedictory meditations - is his most beautiful, and most painful * Observer *Profoundly shaped the way the medium is regarded * Guardian *I am moved by the sense of discovery in Camera Lucida, by the glimpse of a return to a lost world * New Society *Of all his works it is the most accessible in language and the most revealing about the author. And effortlessly, as if in passing, his reflections on photography raise questions and doubts which will permanently affect the vision of the reader * Guardian *

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Book Synopsis''Arguably the most important intellectual alive'' New York Times An indispensable collection of Noam Chomsky's talks on the past, present and future of the politics of power Noam Chomsky is universally accepted as one of the world's leading intellectuals of the modern era. Now, for the first time, Peter R. Mitchell and John Schoeffel have assembled the best of Chomsky''s talks on the politics of power. With an eye to political activism and the media's role in popular struggle, as well as US foreign and domestic policy, Chomsky reinterprets the events of the past three decades, from foreign policy during the Vietnam War to the decline of welfare under the Clinton administration. Highlighting America's myriad of social inequalities and political issues while offering timely advice for much needed change, Understanding Power is definitive Chomsky. Chomsky ranks with Marx, Shakespeare and the Bible as one of the ten most quoted soTrade ReviewArguably the most important intellectual alive * New York Times *Chomsky ranks with Marx, Shakespeare and the Bible as one of the ten most quoted sources in the humanities * Guardian *Noam Chomsky is a major scholarly resource. Not to have read him is to court genuine ignorance * The Nation *

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Book SynopsisThis acclaimed short study, originally published in 1983, and now thoroughly updated, elucidates the varied theoretical contributions of Roland Barthes (1915-80), the ''incomparable enlivener of the literary mind'' whose lifelong fascination was with the way people make their world intelligible. He has a multi-faceted claim to fame: to some he is the structuralist who outlined a ''science of literature'', and the most prominent promoter of semiology; to others he stands not for science but pleasure, espousing a theory of literature which gives the reader a creative role. This book describes the many projects, which Barthes explored and which helped to change the way we think about a range of cultural phenomena - from literature, fashion, wrestling, and advertising to notions of the self, of history, and of nature. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewReview from other book by this author It is impossible to imagine a clearer treatment of the subject, or one that is, within the given limits of length, more comprehensive. Culler has always been remarkable for his expository skills, and here he has found exactly the right method and tone for his purposes. * Sir Frank Kermode *Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. Man of parts ; 2. Literary Historian ; 3. Mythologist ; 4. Critic ; 5. Polemicist ; 6. Semiologist ; 7. Structuralist ; 8. Hedonist ; 9. Writer ; 10. Man of Letters ; 11. Barthes after Barthes ; Bibliography

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Book SynopsisOana Godeanu-Kenworthy is Associate Teaching Professor of American Studies in the Global and Intercultural Studies Department and Affiliate of the Havighurst Center for Post-Soviet Studies at Miami University, Ohio, USA.

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Book Synopsis“If his cypher was discovered too soon, his life would be the forfeit. If never, his labour would be in vain."In this volume, we invite you to reflect on all the ways messages can be hidden – and uncovered – in other messages. More than that, we invite you to think about the relationship between the within and the without, and what it tells us about ourselves. Look Again is a compilation of curious poems, short texts and extracts from longer works that all have something to hide or reveal, taking their cues from riddles, cyphers and imaginary languages.Be aware: you may be left with a mind to see secret writing everywhere you look.

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Book SynopsisLanguage is on display all around us, all the time, and the study of this linguistic landscape is one of the fastest-growing areas of research in applied linguistics. This book provides an overview of how the field of Linguistic Landscape Studies has emerged and developed over the past 20 years, combined with an in-depth exploration of the theoretical approaches, innovative research methods and major themes that have been central to this dynamic area of research. Written by two authors who have been involved in the field from its inception, the book features summaries of studies from around the world, a discussion of the future of the field, and an analysis of the impact of linguistic landscape research on language policy, language learning and teaching, and minority language revitalization. It will be an invaluable companion for students and researchers in Linguistic Landscape Studies, as well as to those working in related areas. The book is open access under a CC BY NC ND licence.Trade ReviewThis much-needed book explores past and present trends in the field of Linguistic Landscape Studies. The reader enters the archaeology of the field and then ventures back into the future. On the way, there is room to get to know the controversies, the dilemmas, the emerging themes, and the secret life of which the emergence and evolution of a research field is made. A book that reads like a novel. * Sílvia Melo-Pfeifer, University of Hamburg, Germany *The book successfully achieves its goal of offering readers a panoramic experience of this rich and evolving field. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or simply curious about the linguistic landscapes that surround us, this book will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the intricate tapestry of languages in our everyday environment. * Selim Ben-Said, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan *Durk Gorter and Jasone Cenoz have created a masterful text that captures the wealth of their knowledge of linguistic landscapes. They have presented a carefully considered and critical overview of the field, including its origins, theoretical approaches, methods and diverse applications. A must-read for all researchers and students of linguistic landscapes. * Corinne A. Seals, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand *...this weighty tome provides an incredible overview into the field and succeeds in being both macro and micro at the same time, zooming in and out at opportune moments. Most impressive is its inclusion and consideration of a great number of LL studies, no doubt in part aided by a lovingly maintained bibliography of LL research [...] It is certainly an invaluable resource to both current and new researchers in the field, providing inspiration for future research as well as methodological development * Andre Joseph Theng, The University of Edinburgh, UK, Language in Society *Table of ContentsFigures Preface Chapter 1. Introduction: Captivating Studies of Language in Public Spaces Chapter 2. History: Early Stages of an Emerging Field Chapter 3. Theoretical Approaches: A Range of Perspectives Chapter 4. Research Methods: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches Chapter 5. Photography and Other Distinctive Research Methods Chapter 6. Multilingualism is All Around Us Chapter 7. The Visibility of Minority Languages Chapter 8. The Influence of Language Policies Chapter 9. English Can Be Seen Everywhere Chapter 10. Educational Contexts Chapter 11. What's in the Names? Chapter 12. Expanding the Field of View References Index

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Book SynopsisFerdinand de Saussure is commonly regarded as one of the fathers of 20th Century Linguistics. His lectures, posthumously published as the Course in General Linguistics ushered in the structuralist mode which marked a key turning point in modern thought. Philosophers such as Jacques Derrida and Roland Barthes, psychoanalysts such as Jacques Lacan, the anthropologist ClaudeLevi-Strauss and linguists such as Noam Chomsky all found an important influence for their work in the pages of Saussure''s text. Published 100 years after Saussure''s death, this new edition of Roy Harris''s authoritative translation is now available in the Bloomsbury Revelations series with a substantial new introduction exploring Saussure''s contemporary influence and importance.Table of ContentsIntroduction to the Bloomsbury Revelations Edition Preface to the First Edition Preface to the Second Edition Preface to the Third Edition Editor's Introduction, Roy Harris Introduction 1. A Brief Survey of the History of Linguistics 2. Data and Aims of Linguistics: Connexions with Related Sciences 3. The Object of Study 4. Linguistics of Language Structure and Linguistics of Speech 5. Internal and External Elements of a Language 6. Representation of a Language by Writing 7. Physiological Phonetics Appendix: Principles of Physiological Phonetics 1. Sound Types 2. Sounds in Spoken Sequences Part One: General Principles 1. Nature of the Linguistic Sign 2. Invariability and Variability of the Sign 3. Static Linguistics and Evolutionary Linguistics Part Two: Synchronic Linguistics 1. General Observations 2. Concrete Entities of a Language 3. Identities, Realities, Values 4. Linguistic Value 5. Syntagmatic Relations and Associative Relations 6. The Language Mechanism 7. Grammar and Its Subdivisions 8. Abstract Entities in Grammar Part Three: Diachronic Linguistics 1. General Observations 2. Sound Changes 3. Grammatical Consequences of Phonetic Evolution 4. Analogy 5. Analogy and Evolution 6. Popular Etymology 7. Agglutination 8. Diachronic Units,Identities and Realities Appendices Part Four: Geographical Linguistics 1. On the Diversity of Languages 2. Geographical Diversity: Its Complexity 3. Causes of Geographical Diversity 4. Propagation of Linguistic Waves Part Five: Questions of Retrospective Linguistics Conclusion 1. The Two Perspectives of Diachronic Linguistics 2. Earliest Languages and Prototypes 3. Reconstructions 4. Linguistic Evidence in Anthropology and Prehistory 5. Language Families and Linguistic Types Index

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Book SynopsisThis book, which takes the form of a graphic novel, looks at political activism in the public landscape. It has a particular focus on the UK activist group Led By Donkeys which has, since late 2018, been running a campaign to expose hypocrisy in the political classes. Their approach to activism involves the use of large posters and other forms of public display, which highlight the gap between the rhetoric and actions of politicians, and how language and communication is used to manipulate opinion. The activism discussed in the book includes four major issues: Brexit, Trump, Covid and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The book is both an innovative visual approach to the presentation of academic research and thought, and an exploration of how the linguistic landscape can be a key resource for the communication of political activism.Trade ReviewThis is a brilliant non-academic academic book. An afternoon of deeply pleasurable reading is guaranteed for anyone who picks it up. In an act of public service the authors allow the reader to become immersed in a highly innovative style of visual and discursive representation revealing the power of semiotic landscapes in political dissent and democratic activism. * Angela Creese, University of Stirling, UK *In a truly multimodal treatment of a multimodal subject matter, Seargeant grapples with the complex questions of political activism in the public space and presents them here in both a sophisticated and accessible way. This book not only critiques recent torrid political events but also slakes the public’s thirst for understanding visual communication in protest and activist movements. * Robert Blackwood, University of Liverpool, UK *Table of ContentsSetting the Scene A: Accountability B: Brexit C: Covid D: Democracy E: Emplacement F: Freedom of Expression G: Grassroots Campaign H: Hypocrisy I: Intertextuality J: Just Joking L: Law M: Metalinguistic Landscape N: Narrative O: Online–Offline Nexus P: Place (and Space) Q: Quotation R: Rule of Law S: Social Media T: Twitter U: Urban Environments V: Victory? Z: Zed Afterword A Second, More Word-Based Afterword Appendix A Model of Context for Grassroots Political Protest Bibliography Cast and Crew

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Book SynopsisHave we become beauty-blind? This title not only defends beauty from the political arguments against it but also argues that beauty does indeed press us toward a greater concern for justice. It offers a manifesto for the revival of beauty in our intellectual work as well as our homes, museums, and classrooms.Trade Review"Ms. Scarry's writing is evocative and lively... Her book is a bracing antidote to the glum puritanism of many opponents of beauty, and it makes some insightful observations about how beauty figures in our perceptual, emotional and moral lives."--Colin McGinn, The Wall Street Journal "She begins her defense of aesthetic pleasure with musings on the nature of beauty. Beauty begets, she argues. It constantly provokes copies of itself. That replication is not only in art, for example, but also in perception, as in the desire to continue beholding as long as possible. Beauty's link with truth requires no belief in an immortal realm. 'The beautiful, almost without any effort of our own, acquaints us with the mental event of conviction,' she says. That mental state is so pleasurable 'that ever afterwards one is willing to labor, struggle, wrestle with the world to locate enduring sources of conviction-to locate what is true.' The heightened perception that comes with beauty's life-affirming capacity to awaken us to our world is part of what alerts us to injustice, she writes."--Nina Ayoub, Chronicle of Higher Education Scarry persuades that there is an analogy between the recognition of beautyand the recognition of just or fair social arrangements ... [She]...does not preach and ... her short book [is] light and allusive and gentle and unpolemical [in] style... "--Stuart Hampshire, The New York Review of Books "This short book could change your life... Beauty makes us better, more honest, more judicious, more humble, nicer people. And dare I say, this little book, taken to heart, will do the same."--Tom D'Evelyn, The Providence Sunday Journal "Scarry makes a fascinating case that seeing beauty reminds us of our own marginality, and therefore our equalness to other people. And she very skillfully defies traditional political criticisms of beauty."--Meredith Petrin, Boston Review "Full of striking observations about beauty in and beyond the arts."--Kenneth Baker, San Francisco Chronicle "In the tradition of 19th-century aesthetics, On Beauty and Being Just describes, evokes and manifests the loving attention that beautiful objects provoke... [It] is fresh, eccentric and uncompromising."--Alexander Nehamas, London Review of Books "Any sophisticated reader not mummified beneath protective layers of irony will find this book not only pleasant to hold in the hand, but valuable to hold in the mind."--Paul J. Johnson, Religious Studies ReviewTable of ContentsPART ONE On Beauty and Being Wrong 1 PART TWO On Beauty and Being Fair 55 NOTES 125 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 133

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"How does globalism affect the books we read, and the way we read them? A leading scholar investigates." * New York Times Book Review *"Few scholars active today can claim to have done as much as David Damrosch to shape the discipline of comparative literature in the United States. . . . Damrosch writes with great clarity and care, vividly bringing individual figures and their ideas to life. . . . [He] not only displays the breadth of his own personal canon, but also argues compellingly for the idea that our understanding of a given text is always enhanced by comparing it with other texts, whether or not the pairings are conventional or expected."---Alexander Beecroft, Modern Philology

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Book SynopsisThe zany, the cute, and the interesting saturate postmodern culture, dominating the look of its art and commodities as well as our ways of speaking about the ambivalent feelings these objects often inspire. In this study Ngai offers an aesthetic theory for the hypercommodified, mass-mediated, performance-driven world of late capitalism.Trade ReviewSianne Ngai has written an important book which harks back to the heyday of the leftist literary theory of the 1980s, and is none the worse for that. Dense and demanding, occasionally meandering, [it is] equally at home with I Love Lucy and conceptual art, Theodor Adorno and Jim Carrey… Laudable and ambitious… In order for art to fulfill its role and for criticism to survive, ‘aesthetic theory’ needs to develop new and powerful concepts which reflect both art’s changing nature and its ubiquity. This challenging and important book takes the first steps in this task. -- Robert Eaglestone * Times Literary Supplement *It’s the type of book that contains ideas that are broadly provocative, even for the ‘merely interested.’ It is one of the most useful guides to the present I’ve read in a while, almost despite itself. It offers a way of thinking about so many forms of present-day self-expression, from the prevalence of first-person writing on the Internet to the ‘Like/Share’-this cheer of social networks. It helps explain a certain style of art (Tao Lin, for example) that advances on muted, subdued, contingent feelings. -- Hua Hsu * Slate *[Ngai’s] wide-ranging, synthetic approach is exactly the kind of criticism our ever-accreting culture deserves, and maybe even the criticism we need. By indexing the kinds of feeling-based judgments we make in our daily lives, Ngai opens up questions about how emotions can act in social contexts more generally, how our private experiences might shape our political and economic discourses. -- Rebecca Ariel Porte * Los Angeles Review of Books *Ngai argues that traditional aesthetic concepts of the beautiful and the sublime are inadequate in our post modern hyper-commodifed culture. She’s really on to something. -- David Collard * Times Literary Supplement *A book of immense interest. -- Benjamin Lytal * Daily Beast *Ngai argues that three aesthetic categories usually considered of minor importance are crucial to understanding contemporary culture. The categories in question, the zany, the cute, and the interesting, ‘are best suited for grasping how aesthetic experience has been transformed by the hypercommodified, information-saturated, performance-driven conditions of late capitalism.’ In defense of this thesis, Ngai deploys a formidable grasp of the aesthetic theories of Schlegel, Nietzsche, Adorno, and Cavell, among many others. Her knowledge of more recent pop culture is equally wide ranging: readers will especially find illuminating her discussion of the zany Lucille Ball. Ngai aims to show how production, circulation, and consumption in contemporary capitalism are mirrored in the cultural world. She argues that the importance of the three marginal categories requires a revision of classical aesthetics. We need not abandon the beautiful and the sublime, but we need to give attention as well to what best enables us to understand today’s culture, thus lessening the gap between aesthetic theory and practice… Highly recommended for an academic audience interested in cultural and aesthetic theory. -- David Gordon * Library Journal *Sianne Ngai gives us once again a radiantly idiosyncratic study of that which we never thought to examine and that which we now understand to be crucial to our daily experience as social beings. Under Ngai’s quick eye and deft hand, the zany, the cute, and the merely interesting reveal their pertinence for the history and historicity of aesthetic development, the intimacy between quotidian materiality and philosophic inquiry, and the collisions among modernity, art, labor, and performing bodies. -- Anne A. Cheng, author of Second SkinSianne Ngai’s new book is a major work of aesthetic theory: challenging a beauty-based aesthetics, closing the gap between aesthetic theory and artistic practice, and offering irreverent categories that work across disciplines and periods to make better sense of our cultural experience. Our Aesthetic Categories takes up the mantle of Adorno’s Aesthetic Theory, and here Ngai becomes the leading cultural critic of our day. -- Jonathan Culler, Cornell UniversityThis wonderfully original book (I hesitate to call it ‘cute, zany, and interesting,’ but that wouldn’t be wrong) invents fresh and incisive new categories for that tired old study called aesthetics. Maybe such categories could even transform the field itself, but they certainly transform the way we look at contemporary literature and culture (which Sianne Ngai knows with startling extensiveness), and maybe they will also end up transforming our outlook on the art of the past as well. Our Aesthetic Categories is in any case one of the most exciting new theoretical books to come along in some time. -- Fredric Jameson, Duke UniversityWith unparalleled originality, ambition, and insight, Sianne Ngai reimagines aesthetic theory for our time. Building on her work in Ugly Feelings, Ngai insists on the significance of minor, ordinary aesthetic experience. Our Aesthetic Categories displaces the centrality of beauty in aesthetics and illuminates the social processes at work in ubiquitous and taken-for-granted acts of judgment. This book will make you feel the present differently. -- Heather Love, University of Pennsylvania

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Book SynopsisBasic semiotic theories are taught in most art schools as part of a contextual studies program, but many students find it difficult to understand how these ideas might impact on their own practice. Visible Signs tackles this problem by introducing key theories and concepts, such as signs and signifiers, and language and speech, within the framework of visual communication. Each chapter provides an overview of a particular facet of semiotic theory, with inspiring examples from graphic design, typography, illustration, advertising and art to illustrate the ideas discussed in the text. Creative exercises at the end of the book will help exemplify these ideas through practical application. The fourth edition of Visible Signs includes new imagery and updated exercises, as well as coverage of propaganda, diversity in neutral' communication (like emojis), and issues related to social media representation.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Components. What is Theory?; Agreement; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 2: How Meaning is Formed. Categories of Sign; Value; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 3: Reading the Sign: The Reader; Convention and Motivation; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 4: Text and Image: Digital and Analogue Codes; Advertising Writing; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 5: Official and Unofficial Language: Habitus; The Production of Legitimate Language; The Competition for Cultural Legitimacy; Unofficial Language; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 6: Politics of Semiotics: fake news, propaganda, diversity in ‘neutral’ communication (like emojis); Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 7: Junk and Culture: Dirt and Taboo; Rubbish Theory; Rubbish as a Resource; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 8: Open Work: Information and Meaning; Openness and the Visual Arts; Openness and Information; Form and Openness; Portfolio; Exercises. Glossary Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe sari has remained an essential part of culture, tradition and fashion in South Asia and India through many centuries. This book examines the variety of meanings which it carries as a symbol of Indian femininity and tradition as well as a means of creative fashion expression for modern India.It discusses the semiotic interpretations of the sari today by understanding its significance for traditional weavers, designers and people who wear saris at home, work or for religious or cultural occasions. Through surveys, interactions and interviews, the author explores the shared experience of wearing saris in different social and cultural settings across economic groups in farms and boardrooms as well as a means of creative expression for young Indians. It also looks at the processes involved in making traditional saris today, draping and weaving styles, buying behaviour, saris in pop-culture, pride parades and Bollywood and interpretations of what the sari signifies in differentTable of ContentsList of FiguresAcknowldegments The Sari Sakhis’ Lore | Sari friend’s experiences The Semiology of the Indian sari | Nayika : The Female protagonist The Sari Maker's Story Devi aur Aastha | Goddess and Belief The Maharani's Sari | The Queen’s sari – Past, Present and Future The Shaadi Vyaah Wali sari | wedding sari Indian Sari and the New World Inclusive Sari Glocal Sari Sari Shastra: Compendium for Indian Fashion system BibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisDrawings and sequential images are an integral part of human expression dating back at least as far as cave paintings, and in contemporary society appear most prominently in comics. Despite this fundamental part of human identity, little work has explored the comprehension and cognitive underpinnings of visual narrativesuntil now. This work presents a provocative theory: that drawings and sequential images are structured the same as language. Building on contemporary theories from linguistics and cognitive psychology, it argues that comics are written in a visual language of sequential images that combines with text. Like spoken and signed languages, visual narratives use a lexicon of systematic patterns stored in memory, strategies for combining these patterns into meaningful units, and a hierarchic grammar governing the combination of sequential images into coherent expressions. Filled with examples and illustrations, this book details each of these levels of structure, explaiTrade Review[Neil Cohn’s] theory, presented in The Visual Language of Comics, is provocative … If he is right, the hidden logic of cartoon panels could provide new vistas on art, language and creative development. -- David Robson * The Observer *[Cohn's] work exhibits a dogged quest for rigour that gives this book an authoritative tone. [ . . . ] Perhaps the biggest question the book asks is one that demands consideration by any current or future researcher: 'why should the brain create several unique and diverse ways to handle different behaviours when it can efficiently make use of various general underlying structures'? Those with the desire to answer . . . will find this book a thoughtful and useful companion to their studies. -- Anthony Farthing, City University London, UK * The Comics Grid *The most unified and accessible explanation of the theory [of visual "language"] this far. * Scandinavian Journal of Comic Art *Cohn's book represents a major break away from previous discussions of linguistic structures in other media ... He manages to combine a sophisticated theory model with much needed empirical experiments ... This is an innovative approach for comic book research, connecting systematic linguistics and cognitive studies in new ways that are a valuable extension of previous discussions. -- Janina Wildfeuer * Closure (Bloomsbury Translation) *Cohn writes succinctly, using language familiar to discourse analysts ... [and] draws on the work of others as well as his own original research. -- Marilyn Lewis, University of Auckland, New Zealand * Discourse Studies *Neil Cohn thinks about the comics medium and visual literacy on very deep and enlightening levels. In The Visual Language of Comics, Cohn shares his research and insights on how the mind works when processing sequential visuals. It's fascinating reading for anyone interested in visual communication. -- Carl Potts, Former Executive Editor, Marvel Comics and Author of 'The DC Comics Guide to Creating Comics: Inside the Art of Visual Storytelling'Neil Cohn is diving deeper into comics and the brain than anyone I know now. -- Scott McCloud, author 'Understanding Comics'Neil Cohn's The Visual Language of Comics is a smart, carefully organized, and exceptionally well-argued work of comics scholarship. I suspect it will become one of a very small number of truly crucial texts in the burgeoning field of comics studies. The book provides an original yet persuasive account of the relationship of comics and language and introduces key terms and conceptual distinctions that are likely to become part of the common sense of comics analysis and criticism. It also explores the ways in which comics have been used as tools of communication and self-expression across a variety of cultural contexts. Over the past decade Neil Cohn has published a number of important research articles on comics that make use of his training in linguistics, psychology, and neuroscience. The Visual Language of Comics builds on this interdisciplinary scholarship but it also offers new insights and opens up new avenues of inquiry. Recommended for anyone with an interest in comics, language, and what Richard Gregory calls "the eye-brain system." -- Kent Worcester, Professor of Political Science, Marymount Manhattan College, USABeing able to tell stories with images is an important and perhaps unique human ability. Neil Cohn has done us all a favor, by analyzing how we can use a visual language theory to analyze comics and other forms of graphic communication; to think deeply about language and the mind. His years of deep thinking, and research, show in this new and provocative book -- Frederik L. Schodt is an award-winning writer and translator, whose books on Japanese manga helped trigger their current popularity abroadIn this pioneering book, Neil Cohn opens up a whole new domain of cognitive science: the study of how we derive meaning from sequential images.While borrowing much of his approach from theoretical linguistics and psycholinguistics, Cohn is careful to let the character of the phenomena speak for themselves, appealing to a rich and fascinating selection of examples from a wide range of graphic traditions.His results illuminate the parallels and sharpen the differences among different human cognitive systems. -- Ray Jackendoff, Seth Merrin Professor of Philosophy and Co-Director of the Center for Cognitive Studies, Tufts University, USAThis book offers more than the title implies, transcending The Visual Language of Comics to reveal the structural, rule governed system that constitutes the visual language used in many forms of contemporary communication. One of the most interesting aspects of Cohn's work is his exploration of the lexicon and grammar of visual language as employed in "dialects" that vary across cultures. Cohn's arguments are rigorous, but clearly, even entertainingly, supported with scores of visual examples and explanations. -- Randy Duncan, Professor of Communication & Theatre Arts, Henderson State University, USA andAfter reading this book you’ll never look at comics the same way, and your view of language will be broadened as well. Neil Cohn is a linguist, a cognitive psychologist, and a graphic artist. In this pathbreaking book he brings his diverse skills together to explore and reveal underlying structures of visual language. Careful study of visual narrative in several cultures shows that comics are beautifully patterned and generative, comparable to language and music. Cohn elaborates what he calls the “visual-graphic modality of language,” pointing to a wealth of research possibilities in cognitive neurology, psycholinguistics, and cultural anthropology. -- Dan I. Slobin, Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Linguistics, University of California, Berkeley, USANeil Cohn introduces a new and rigorous set of tools for discussing comics and visual narrative that will influence practitioners as well as academics. His arguments confirm many intuitions of cartoonists about the way comics work while at the same time deflating numerous others. I believe it will significantly enrich the discourse in this still-developing area of study. -- Matt Madden, author of 99 Ways to Tell a Story: Exercises in Style and co-author with Jessica Abel of the textbooks Drawing Words & Writing Pictures and Mastering ComicsCombining expertise in psychology and linguistics with skills in draftsmanship, Cohn explores the analogies between comics and verbal language with exciting results. By unveiling patterns in all stylistic dimensions of comics’ visuals, this book is not just indispensable reading for comics scholars, but also constitutes a major contribution to the discipline of visual studies more generally. -- Charles Forceville, Associate Professor, Department of Media Studies, University of Amsterdam, The NetherlandsVery useful to introduce students to the core elements of comics and to show them how meaning is conveyed by pictorial elements. * Jutta Rymarczyk, Heidelberg University of Education, Germany *Very coherent good level of theory and terminology. * Patricia Kennon, Maynooth University *Table of ContentsChapter 1. Introducing Visual Language SECTION 1: STRUCTURE OF VISUAL LANGUAGE Chapter 2. The Visual Lexicon, Part 1: Visual morphology Chapter 3. The Visual Lexicon, Part 2: Panels and Constructions Chapter 4. Visual Language Grammar: Narrative Structure Chapter 5. Navigation of External Compositional Structure Chapter 6. Cognition of Visual Language SECTION 2: VISUAL LANGUAGE ACROSS THE WORLD Chapter 7. American Visual Language Chapter 8. Japanese Visual Language Chapter 9. Central Australian Visual Language Chapter 10. The Principle of Equivalence

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Book SynopsisRoland Barthes was one of the most widely influential thinkers of the 20th Century and his immensely popular and readable writings have covered topics ranging from wrestling to photography. The semiotic power of fashion and clothing were of perennial interest to Barthes and The Language of Fashion - now available in the Bloomsbury Revelations series - collects some of his most important writings on these topics. Barthes'' essays here range from the history of clothing to the cultural importance of Coco Chanel, from Hippy style in Morocco to the figure of the dandy, from colour in fashion to the power of jewellery. Barthes'' acute analysis and constant questioning make this book an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the cultural power of fashion.Trade ReviewNo one can claim that translating Barthes is easy. Nor is it easy to assemble, as Stafford and Carter have done, such a chronologically revealing series of essays, to footnote their French sources and explain the citations in them so fully, to provide a glossary of writers to help explain the evolution of Barthes's thought, and to frame the whole with a theoretically acute history of twentieth-century social theory, dress history, and his assessment by friends and foes. The Language of Fashion is paradoxically (as Barthes would say) reader-friendly but also respectful of the difficulties of his thought, an excellent advanced introduction to his writing on la mode. -- Ann Rosalind Jones * H-France Review *Table of ContentsPreface \ I. Clothing History \ 1. History and Sociology of Clothing: Some Methodological Observations \ 2. Language andClothing \ 3. Towards a Sociology of Dress \ II. Systems and Structures \ 4. 'Blue is In Fashion This Year': A Note on Research into Signifying Units in Fashion Clothing \ 5. From Gemstones to Jewellery \ 6. Dandyism and Fashion \ 7. [An Early Preface to] The Fashion System \ 8. Fashion, a Strategy of Desire: Round-table Discussion with Roland Barthes, Jean Duvignaud and Henri Lefebvre \ 9. Fashion and the Social Sciences(interview) \ 10. On The Fashion System \ III.Fashion Debates and Interpretations \ 11. The Contest Between Chanel andCourreges, Refereed by a Philosopher \ 12. A Case of Cultural Criticism \ 13.Showing How Rhetoric Works \ Afterword: Clothes, Fashion and System in the Writings of Roland Barthes: 'Something Out of Nothing', Andy Stafford \ Editor's Note and Acknowledgements \ Bibliography \Glossary of Names \ Index.

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Book SynopsisObject Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.Glitter reveals the complexity of an object often dismissed as frivolous. Nicole Seymour describes how glitter's consumption and status have shifted across centuriesfrom ancient cosmetic to queer activist tool, environmental pollutant to biodegradable accessoryalong with its composition, which has variously included insects, glass, rocks, salt, sugar, plastic, and cellulose. Through a variety of examples, from glitterbombing to glitter beer, Seymour shows how this substance reflects the entanglements of consumerism, emotion, environmentalism, and gender/sexual identity. Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.Trade ReviewHard facts, philosophical musings, and trivia galore commingle in this madcap toss of shimmery delight. * Passport Magazine *Nicole Seymour peers beyond the surface of glitter and finds a material that is irreverent and political, sticky and elusive, that shapes communities as it challenges preconceptions. Glitter shines with new ways of thinking. * David Farrier, Professor of Literature and the Environment, University of Edinburgh, UK *Glitter is an original, nuanced and thorough analysis that examines glitter’s significance beyond its usual connotations of frivolousness at best and environmental disaster at worst. As vibrant as the substance itself, Seymour’s thoughtful exploration situates glitter in current cultural and political contexts without dulling its shine. Positively dazzling! * Hillary Belzer, Founder and Curator, The Makeup Museum *Table of ContentsDiary Entry: Glitter in Quarantine 1. The Great Glitter Backlash Glitter Bar: A Makeover Takeover! 2. “Feel the Rainbow!”: Glitter as Tactic Poetry Reading: CAConrad 3. “Too Much Bling”: Glitter in Children’s Entertainment Interview: Machine Dazzle 4. Recrafting Glitter: The Sustainable Turn Taste Test: Glitter Beer 5. Conclusion: Facing the Plasticene Index

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Book SynopsisObject Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.While wine drunk millennia ago was the humble beverage of the people, today the drink is inextricable with power, sophistication, and often wealth. Bottles sell for half a million dollars. Point systems tell us which wines are considered the best. Wine professionals give us the language to describe what we taste.Agricultural product and cultural commodity, drink of ritual and drink of addiction, purveyor of pleasure, pain, and memory - wine has never been contained in a single glass. Drawing from science, religion, literature, and memoir, Wine meditates on the power structures bound up with making and drinking this ancient, intoxicating beverage.Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.Trade ReviewA beautifully written, soulful narrative that goes straight into the heart and soul of the complexities, joys, and wisdom of wine. * Alice Feiring, author of To Fall in Love, Drink This: A Wine Writer's Memoir *Meg Bernhard’s Wine is a beautiful gem of a book, thankfully free of what we find in so much wine writing. This wine book is anything but typical. Bernhard covers a lot of ground in a short number of pages with her unique mix of memoir, travel writing, natural history, sensory science, and reporting on the social issues surrounding wine. But the beating heart of this book is Bernhard’s experiences working at Spanish wineries and in the vineyards of Castilla-La Mancha and Catalonia, which she memorably brings to life. * Jason Wilson, author of Godforsaken Grapes and creator of the newsletter “Everyday Drinking” *Table of ContentsPreface 1. Winter 2. Spring 3. Summer 4. Fall Epilogue Acknowledgements Works Consulted Glossary Works Cited Index

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Book SynopsisObject Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things. Barcodes are about as ordinary as an object can be. Billions of them are scanned each day and they impact everything from how we shop to how we travel to how the global economy is managed. But few people likely give them more than a second thought. In a way, the barcode's ordinariness is the ultimate symbol of its success. However, behind the mundanity of the barcode lies an important history. Barcodes bridged the gap between physical objects and digital databases and paved the way for the contemporary Internet of Things, the idea to connect all devices to the web. They were highly controversial at points, protested by consumer groups and labor unions, and used as a symbol of dystopian capitalism and surveillance in science fiction and art installations. This book tells the story of the barcode's complicated history and examines how an object so crucial to so many parts of ourTrade ReviewJordan Frith’s engaging storytelling and analysis makes Barcode a page-turner. He transforms the technical into the human, bringing lively cultural, political, and social analysis to something most of us overlook every day. But beware: After reading this book, you’ll want to talk about barcodes all the time. * Torie Bosch, Editor, First Opinion, STAT *Table of Contents1. The little black lines that changed the world 2. How we almost ended up with a bullseye barcode 3. An early bridge between the digital and the physical 4. Consumer protests, labor rights, and automation 5. President Bush and the barcode 6. Barcodes and the Bible 7. The cultural imaginary of the barcode 8. The long and winding road of the QR Code 9. Barcodes and fifty years of misplaced eulogies Notes Index

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Book SynopsisWhat if the problems of modern society don't come from production, but rather consumption and the system of cultural signs? In this classic work from the defining intellectual of the postmodern, Jean Baudrillard, For a Critique of the Political Economy of the Sign takes Marx's critique of political economy and its analysis of the commodity form as the starting point for an analysis of signs and their meaning in modern society. Influenced by Lefebvre's critique of everyday life, Barthes's semiology, and Situationism, Baudrillard analyses how objects are encoded within the system of signs and meanings that constitute contemporary media and consumer societies. Combining semiological studies and sociology of the consumer society, For a Critique of the Political Economy of the Sign contains Baudrillard's most extensive engagement with Marxism and shows him at a critical juncture for the development of his thought.Trade ReviewModest, independent, and devastatingly humorous, Jean's work transmitted the lost urbanity of the mid-20th century while speaking of and into the future. -- Chris KrausWhat can one say of Baudrillard? His strange and striking apercus captured the moment, and his predictive powers, as a man who saw early on the rise of the media state, were unique. -- Kathryn BigelowFor a Critique of the Political Economy of the Sign (1972) and The Mirror of Production (1973) constitutes, in my view, his most substantial contribution to philosophy, and deserves to be better known. From today's perspective, Baudrillard may seem a more significant prophet than he appeared at the time. * Philosophy Now *The most notorious intellectual celebrity to emerge from Paris since Roland Barthes and the most influential prophet of the media since Marshall McLuhan. * i-D magazine *Superstar of the simulacrum, shaman of the virtual, evangelist of the hyperreal. -- Geoff DyerThe most important French thinker of the past twenty years. -- J.G. BallardThe David Bowie of philosophy * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisIn the newly revised version of The Sourcebook of Magic you will discover afresh the basic 77 NLP patterns for transformational magic. What's new? A change from merely describing the patterns to presenting the key questions that allow you to guide a client. The newly revised version streamlines the patterns so that they are even more succinct and offers some new insights about how the patterns work, that is, the cognitive-behavioural mechanisms that make the neuro-linguistic and neuro-semantic approach so powerful. The Sourcebook of Magic arose in 1997 from a desire to collect in one place the basic or core NLP Patterns. Today it remains an excellent resource for coaches, therapists, psychologists, trainers, and managers. The book uniquely sorts and separates the patterns in key categories, those that deal with Self, Emotions, Languaging, Thinking Patterns, Meaning, and Strategies. This Sourcebook of Magic also provides guidelines for knowing what to do when and why. An excellent gift for those interested in the cognitive-behavioural model called NLP.

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Book SynopsisThe Semiotics of Love brings together work on early symbolism, literary practices, and contemporary communication on the theme of romance and the idea of love to forge an understanding of the semiotic-cultural side of romance. Moving beyond psychological and neuroscientific scholarly analyses of love, Marcel Danesi works to interrogate the cultural constructions of love across societies. This book analyzes romantic love from the general perspective of semiotics—that is, from its more generic interpretive angle, rather than its more technical one. The specific analytical lens used is based on the notion that we convert our feeling structures into sign structures (words, symbols) and sign-based constructions (texts, rituals, etc.), which then allow us to reflect upon something cognitively, rather than just experience it physically and emotionally.Table of Contents1. XOXO: The Religious Origins of Romantic Symbols2. The Language of Love3. Love and Sex: Are the Two Connected?4. Writing Love: The Literature of Romance5. Love in Images6. Love Rituals7. Love and Marriage: Do They Go Together Lie a Horse and Carriage?

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Book SynopsisThe changes taking place in our aesthetic and emotional sensibility: a deep mutation in the psychosphere, caused by semio-capitalism.Franco “Bifo” Berardi''s newest book analyzes the contemporary changes taking place in our aesthetic and emotional sensibility—changes the author claims are the result of semio-capitalism''s capturing of the inner resources of the subjective process: our experience of time, our sensibility, the way we relate to each other, and our ability to imagine a future. Precarization and fractalization of labor have provoked a deep mutation in the psychosphere, and this can be seen in the rise of psychopathologies such as post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, panic, and attention deficit disorder. Sketching out an aesthetic genealogy of capitalist globalization, Berardi shows how we have arrived at a point of such complexity in the semiotic flows of capital that we can no longer process its excessive currents of information. A swarm effect now rules: it has become impossible to say “no.” Social behavior is trapped in inescapable patterns of interaction coded by techno-linguistic machines, smartphones, screens of every size, and all of these sensory and emotional devices end up destroying our organism''s sensibility by submitting it to the stress of competition and acceleration.Arguing for disentanglement rather than resistance, Berardi concludes by evoking the myth of La Malinche, the daughter of a noble Aztec family. It is a tale of a translator and traitor who betrayed her own people, yet what the myth portends is the rebirth of the world from the collapse of the old.

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Book SynopsisDr Rachel Lawes is recognized as one of the original founders of commercial semiotics. Based in London, UK, she is a Fellow of the Market Research Society, and for 15 years has convened its Advanced Qualitative Methods Masterclass. She supplies brand and marketing strategy to businesses such as Unilever, P&G, Kraft, Nike and Diageo, as well as clients in specialized sectors such as pharmaceuticals and finance. A regular international conference speaker, she is the author of Using Semiotics in Marketing, also published by Kogan Page.Trade Review"An essential guide for retailers and marketers looking to leverage the competitive advantage that comes from gaining a deeper understanding of customers and how they see your brand. Rachel Lawes provides some great insights, backed up by examples from her work with brands from across the globe and provides a toolkit that allows you to apply the principles to your role right away." * Gareth Lloyd, Head of Marketing, Pricing, Morrison Supermarkets *"What a fantastic read, full of thought-provoking insights for retailers, providing a great balance between theory and real-life application of semiotics in the commercial world. It was hard to put it down!" * Kamila Cedro, Insight Manager, Boots *"Rachel Lawes's book is as fascinating as ever in terms of her bottom-up semiotic analysis. What makes it vital though is the top-down cultural analysis. She details a cultural milieu riven with anxiety, loneliness and depersonalization but, critically, provides the thinking, tools and ideas for companies and brands to start to take remedial and ameliorative action. A vital read for the times we now live and work in." * Richard Warren, Director, Marketing Communications, Lloyds Banking Group *"Rachel Lawes takes us on a journey of semiotics, encouraging us to ask and address the killer consumer questions through this engaging read. She propels our understanding of the consumer, enabling an improved retail experience with a revenue-driving focus at the root." * Hugo Proffitt, Head of Ecommerce, Singapore, adidas *"Whether you are a retailer, a retail marketer or a brand marketer who relies on consumers for brand engagement, affinity, advocacy and sales, Rachel Lawes has written the playbook to inform your future success. Lawes is not only a leading global authority on semiotics, but a futurist who shares her vision for the future of retail and shopper marketing. Using Semiotics in Retail is required reading for every executive who conducts business at the intersection of retail, shopping, consumers and marketing." * Mark Beal, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Public Relations, Rutgers University, Author, Engaging Gen Z *"Finally, a book about semiotics in retailing by a semiotics veteran who lists Unilever, Procter and Gamble, Diageo, Boots, Morrisons and Mondelez among her present and former clients. Rachel Lawes knows the industry well! If you're a retailer, you need to read this book. If you're studying marketing, branding, retail UX and/or consumer behaviour, you need to read this book. In fact, if you're in any way, shape or form part of a digital ecosystem, you must read this book." * Zubin Sethna, Professor of Entrepreneurial Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, Regent’s University London, Co-Author, Consumer Behaviour *"Semiotics can often feel daunting and un-accessible; this book will unlock understanding in how you can practically harness this methodology. I especially loved the case-studies which really help to bring the theory to life - a must read for anyone interested in how consumers assign meaning to colours, signs and symbols - then importantly how you can harness this insight to create meaningful experiences." * Hayley Ward, Director of User Research & Insight, Deliveroo *"Using Semiotics in Retail is a potent cocktail of knowledge on retail and shopper behaviour. Offering a much-needed reality check, the book helps readers see the bigger picture and understand the power that semiotics can wield. Deep diving into digital ecosystems, behavioural futures markets, and decentralized economies, it is not only sensitive to emerging digital culture, diversity and inclusivity, it is an excellent follow up to Rachel Lawes' first book, Using Semiotics in Marketing." * Muchaneta Kapfunde, Founder of FashNerd.com *"Rachel Lawes is one of the most provocative and unique thinkers in the field of marketing I've ever encountered. Her approach to semiotics is weapons-grade insight for modern marketers. Her writing is not only clear and immediately helpful, it's also entertaining - something one rarely encounters in marketing literature." * Bhavin Pabari, Strategy Director, Mother *"An insightful, surprising and highly enjoyable read. Rachel Lawes explains the theory and practice of semiotics with an energy that makes the pages turn themselves. But beyond that, it's also a brilliantly useful tool, because she never takes her eye off the end goal - how can all of this be used to create a competitive advantage?" * Ruth Chadwick, Head of Strategy, Lucky Generals *"Wow! I loved the first book and this one is even better. I couldn't put it down. Entertaining, gripping and humorous - this book is all those things and still manages to be a serious, solid dive into the way shoppers shop, coupled to straight-forward, practical advice that every marketeer can use. Rachel Lawes combines the literary style of a novelist with no-nonsense advice on actions every marketeer can do to improve sales, brought to life with real world examples. Learning about Semiotics has never been more engaging for non-academics, nor more practically valuable for everyone." * Andrew Cowen, Founder, Bluespark Commercial Strategy *"This book will get you thinking differently about things you see every day. As someone who works in the creative side of advertising, this is the greatest gift I could ask for. Lawes' whirlwind tour through human behavior, psychology and the shop aisle deepens your understanding of what it means to shop both in person and online. A must read for everyone in marketing who wants to stay forever curious." * Audrey Madden, Creative Strategist Huel *"Rachel Lawes' personal writing style is engaging, evocative, and enjoyable. She guides you through what was and what is now retail and marketing and the total experience of shopping, as well as the rise of consumer activists. More importantly, the book highlights the power of semiotics to influence individuals and society beyond consumerism towards responsible living. This resonates with current viewpoints in design practice and education, which is why I will be using this book to underpin learning and teaching in my Undergraduate and Postgraduate modules." * Dr George Torrens, Senior Lecturer in Industrial Design and Assistive Products, Loughborough University *"With 95% of purchase decisions being habitual, it is important to understand the rules your customer's brain uses to make a choice (so you can help them choose you). The subconscious buying brain is constantly looking for signs, symbols and other associations to help it make those decisions and Using Semiotics in Retail does a fantastic job of showcasing how to apply this skill. Everyone working for a retail brand needs to read this book so they can make it easier for customers to do business with them." * Melina Palmer, Founder & CEO, The Brainy Business,® LLC *"Part semiotics bible, part personal diary, this is a fascinating account of all those delicate touches in malls and markets that subtly win us over. Using Semiotics in Retail will compel you to analyse every shelf, aisle and shop window in an attempt to uncover the layers of social intelligence that went into their design. This book has - quite literally - opened my eyes, and will probably make me money, thanks to all the new knowledge I have. No one knows the subject better, and for the insider intel alone, it's an absolute must for every communications student and marketer." * Amy Charlotte Kean, Founder and CEO, Six Things Impossible *"I've had the pleasure of working directly with Rachel Lawes, collaborating on research projects conducted all around the world. Having the opportunity to not just tell a story about data, but instead tell a story about people, is what continues to drive me towards semiotics and collaborate with THE expert herself." * Dana DiGregorio Global Managing Director, MESH Experience *Table of Contents Section - PART ONE: Case studies - semiotics in real-world retail; Chapter - 01: Semiotics will change your career in retail or retail marketing; Chapter - 02: How Unilever uses semiotics; Section - PART TWO: The present day; Chapter - 03: Desire; Chapter - 04: ‘Premium, natural, sensational!’ How to create meaning; Chapter - 05: Shopper needs and behaviour; Chapter - 06: Shopping and identity; Section - PART THREE: The future; Chapter - 07: The future of business; Chapter - 08: The future of consumers; Chapter - 09: The future of retail; Chapter - 10: The future of everything; Section - PART FOUR: You can do semiotics - tools for retailers; Chapter - 11: Fast answers to everyday questions; Chapter - 12: Tools for thinking - how to generate ideas using semiotics; Chapter - 13: Acknowledgements;

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Book SynopsisDr Rachel Lawes is recognized as one of the original founders of British commercial semiotics. Based in London, UK, she has convened the Market Research Society Advanced Qualitative Methods Masterclass for 15 years. Academic posts include Principal Lecturer in Marketing at Regent's University London. She supplies brand strategy and consumer insight to brands and ad agencies globally. Clients include Unilever, P&G, Diageo and Grey London. Rachel is a Fellow of the Market Research Society in the UK. She is the author of Using Semiotics in Marketing and Using Semiotics in Retail, both published by Kogan Page.Trade Review"In an age where influencer marketing, personalization and building positive social impact are the new mantras of marketing, Lawes' book is a priceless guide for marketers to make sense of the world that their consumers live in. Brilliant, incisive and a comprehensive look at using the principles of semi­otics in marketing, this book is testimony to Lawes' mastery of the subject and her immense contribution to the world of semiotics." * Shelley Sengupta, GM and Head of Insights, Pernod Ricard India *"This book confirms why Lawes is one of the foremost industrial semioti­cians. It is a masterclass on the role of culture in consumer behaviour. If you are a researcher, this book is an essential part of your library. The second edition of Using Semiotics in Marketing adds three new chap­ters that link recent changes in the global socio-political context and the emergence of metamodernism. Lawes provides an insightful, actionable and entertaining comparison between generations with regards to how they process functional and emotional information, and translates this into how brands should think about designing product experiences and communica­tions to be authentic and sincere." * Dr Nick Harrington, Senior Director, Procter & Gamble *"Dr Lawes' book goes much further than academic or professional stand­ards. Her writing is emotional, touching, profound and delicate at the same time. And that reflects that semiotics is about culture before becoming a matter of marketing. Nevertheless, it is vital for consumer trends under­standing and brand planning. Using Semiotics in Marketing is full of meaning. It is brilliant and compelling, both professionally and personally." * André D’Abreu Pazin, Director of Customer Intelligence, Research and Strategy, LATAM Airlines *"Business leaders talk about using semiotics in research, but do they actually know what it means? In this book all is revealed, and in a simple, practical and applicable way to boot. Using Semiotics in Marketing ultimately proves that semiotics meets the stature of its buzzworthyness and that leaders can gain differentiated insights by leveraging it, top down, bottom up and layered with other methods that help us investigate deeper into consumers and cultures." * Joanna Lepore, Global Foresight Director, McDonald’s *"Rachel Lawes writes with insightful brevity, but what makes this book shine is the incredibly useful techniques she offers for 'culture first' thinking. The 'Tree' technique in Chapter 6 has particularly inspired me in how to guide strategists to structure upstream thinking rooted in truisms. A gem of a book to reignite your approach to creative development." * Lucy Crotty, Cultural Strategy and Insight Lead, ITV *"This is a book that demands to be read (again and again), comfortably sat back with a note-taking device nearby, as we are invited to jot down our own reflections and ideas that will inevitably come. This second edition brings future applicability to all the learnings from the previous chapters, with a focus on key changes in consumer culture brought about by metamodernism. Rachel Lawes makes light work of explaining the values, needs and behaviour shifts that will define the future through the metamodernist lens. The insights are so compelling that you'd be forgiven for concluding that this shift is not just key for marketing into the future, but for adding value and meaning to all kinds of professional and personal relationships. If Rachel's book doesn't stir something inside you, you haven't read it right." * Trish Rajo-Brea, Insights Professional and Capabilities Lead, Unilever *"A fascinating and insightful read on an area of research which can often be underrepresented. Lawes makes a compelling case for the use of semiotics and the commercial impact it delivers. If you ever need to convince someone of the power of semiotics, make sure you give them a copy of this book. A must-read for marketers and insight professionals." * Andrew Tenzer, Independent Insight and Brand Strategy Consultant, Reach plc *"This highly awaited second edition of Using Semiotics in Marketing is writ­ten by a semiotics veteran. Dr Rachel Lawes knows the industry well! If you're a marketer, you need to read this book. If you're studying marketing, branding, retail UX and/or consumer behaviour, you need to read this book. With three new chapters on Generation Z, social change in the 'West' and the rise of emotions, the book is bang up to date. So, if you're in any way, shape, form or part of the 'digital ecosystem' (and I'd be surprised if you're not!) you must read this book. Like, now! What are you waiting for?" * Professor (Dr) Zubin Sethna, Professor of Entrepreneurial Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, Regent’s University London *"The publication of this second edition has given me the perfect excuse to revisit this seminal text on best practice in semiotics - written by one of the discipline's best practitioners. This is a book that should sit within arm's reach of everyone working in marketing, research and communication; in fact, anyone who needs to understand how people tick as part of their job. Filled with practical advice and fascinating examples, it is that unusual breed of textbook that you will fly through. This new edition applies the lens of the seismic cultural shifts caused by the pandemic and maturing of Generation Z. It is now even more imperative that you absorb its wisdom and insight. Meanwhile, we all need to hold our breaths for what will be the inspira­tion for a third edition!" * Fiona Keyte, Planning Partner, Grey London *"Using Semiotics in Marketing is a must-read for anyone committed to putting people at the centre of marketing. Dr Lawes manages to make a complex and nuanced practice approachable, and does so in a way that illuminates, rather than dulls, the pixie dust of semiotics. This effortless balance of the practical and the magical solidified my belief that Dr Lawes is an underutilized resource in our industry." * Kim Einan, Chief Strategy Officer, Starcom *"How many times in our lives have we looked at objects or ideas or brands for what they are rather than what they signify? A coffee, for example, as a brewed beverage, evokes comfort, creativity and alertness; a sofa, as a furniture item, evokes symmetry, relaxation and family time. In this compelling book about images, icons, language, culture, people and meaning, the often-mystifying world of semiotics comes alive. Lawes, in her commercially relevant and practi­cal account, masterfully brings forth the future of researching customer engagement by describing how researchers, strategists and marketers can decode signs so they can see connections and meanings that others cannot. It beautifully and aptly explains the fascinating world of semiotics with clarity and accessible language for all, novices or experts. A must-read!" * Dr Panagiotis Kokkalis, Chair of Business and Management and Associate Professor of Strategy, Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubai *"Seeing things other brands, marketers or even the person sitting next to you don't is vital to success. In Using Semiotics in Marketing Dr Lawes gives you the keys to unlock the unseen that's all around us. With sharper vision we become sharper marketers. Dr Lawes' book helps you keep your 'eyes on that very special prize'." * George Tannenbaum, Founder, GeorgeCo, LLC, Adaged Blog *"Are great semioticians born or created? Mindful, perhaps, of my own limita­tions in this field, I had always leaned toward the former, lamenting my lack of relevant genetic curlicues. The first edition of this book changed all of that, making the mysterious hinterland of semiotics accessible, sending up a flare to illuminate this terrain and roll back the shadows cast by past intel­lectuals - yes, I'm looking at you, Barthes. This new version, enriched with recent social history and dripping with new cultural codes, is clear, concise and comprehensible, touching the universal elements of the everyday while spotlighting the 'how to' of creative analysis - increasingly necessary to business innovation and delivering competitive advantage." * Leslie X Hallam, Course Director, Psychology of Advertising MSc, University of Lancaster and Qualitative Consultant, Tangent Partnership *"The field of semiotics is littered with books that are either unreadable, unusable or far too pleased with themselves. Lawes' is different. As well as being hugely practical and commercially relevant, this gem of a textbook is packed full of juicy cultural analysis. Lawes manages to make page-turners out of discussions on baked beans and toilet tissue. Her depiction of British tea-time rituals is up there with Nice Cup of Tea and a Sit Down. It could only have been written by someone who cares as much about Instagram as she does about Ideograms. Essential reading." * Dr Nick Coates, Global Creative Consulting Director, C Space *"Do you wish you knew more about semiotics, how it is used in market research, and how it links to other techniques? Learn how ideas get into people's heads, the role of culture and the method of outside-in thinking. A must-read for any marketer or market researcher." * Ray Poynter, Founder and Chair, NewMR and Member of ESOMAR Council *"I like to think I know a bit about semiotics, but Lawes is the real deal, the Full Monty, the Queen of Codes. Her insightful work is an important rejoinder and reminder to all those in the brand and comms world of the need to focus on culture and meaning, linguistics and anthropology, icons and images - not just the reductionist world of messages, propositions and benefits." * Anthony Tasgal, Strategist and Owner, POV Marketing and Research *"A great read for anyone in the research game! Whether new to the field or long in the tooth, this is certainly a book to get stuck in to." * Viv Farr, Managing Director, Narrative Health *"From the moment I started reading about the culture of weddings, I was gripped. This was going to be a good read! But more than that, Using Semiotics in Marketing gives you the step-by-step, practical tools to learn and use the discipline yourself - written in a highly engaging manner. Lawes masterfully combines the practicality of a training manual with a 'can't put down' read. If you are intrigued by semiotics, if you wish you knew how to be a semiologist, Lawes gives you the tools to get stuck in. This second edition really opened my eyes to the importance of Generation Z and provides heaps of practical strategies for brands and marcoms as new gener­ations of consumers evolve." * Fiona Blades, President and Chief Experience Officer, MESH Experience *"I have concluded that all Quant researchers become Qual converts in the end - and I am no exception. I've spent the last 10 years promoting qual research, and it seems to me that semiotics is a qual 'superpower'. I loved the clarity of this book and the clever synthesis of so much academic research that I wouldn't have had the time to read for myself, but most of all I appreci­ated gaining an insight into current trends that I have been observing without fully understanding. If you are a 'boomer' (like me), some of the ideas of metamodernism are bewildering and very hard to assimilate - but the effort is very definitely worthwhile for the light it shines on the modern world." * Phyllis McFarlane, Market Research Society Gold Medallist *"Lawes excels at writing in a way that demystifies semiotics and makes it clearly actionable in an engaging way, exploring the cultural changes happening in society that only semiotics can truly identify. The new chapters include identifying the consumer needs of the 2020s and provide several different lenses that businesses can instantly learn from. A shout out here goes to the way that the case studies and activities dovetail seamlessly together, to provide the tools for marketeers to apply immediately." * Alan Hathaway, MD, Discovery Research Ltd and Judge, MRS Awards 2022 *"An invaluable tool for any researcher looking to go beyond the traditional methodologies to successfully level up and differentiate their analysis and storytelling. Lawes has made semiotics accessible to those of us who aren't expertly trained as semioticians but still understand the value of decoding the cultural symbols and language all around us. Lawes' Using Semiotics in Marketing gets us results for our clients every time with its inspiring advice for market researchers. It's full of amazing revelations and stories you won't read anywhere else. This expanded second edition has even more fascinating insights concerning social change in the United States." * Stephanie David, Vice President Research and Design, Vital Findings *"In writing Using Semiotics in Marketing, Rachel Lawes has succeeded in both simplifying and making a complex subject accessible. This book is a great practical guide to semiotics written in an engaging style. I would highly recommend it to all insight professionals who want to further their under­standing of the subject." * Julie Irwin, Co-Founder and Board Director, Citrine Market Research and Judge, MRS Awards 2022 *"If you're looking for a well-written, easy-to-understand and informative book on the use of semiotics in marketing then look no further. Dr Lawes has taken years of experience and succinctly summarized it into a practical and interesting book. The second edition builds on the first by bringing an explanation of semiotics in relation to recent yet rapid changes to western-influenced culture. Dr Lawes continues to deliver further knowledge to the reader and practical responses that brands can make to meet the changing expectations of their market and consumers." * Steven Darby, Director, AURA *"If you read just one book about the shifting consumer culture and what it means for brands, make it this one! Dr Lawes sets out the criticality of semi­otics in this powerful, practical and immensely insightful second edition. It brilliantly elevates semiotics from a 'nice to have' to a 'must have' for all insight and marketing practitioners. It bravely challenges old ways of think­ing and catapults us into a state of readiness for the future. It's an essential, enlightening and hugely enjoyable read." * Sandra Grandsoult, Co-Founder and Equity Architect, Equitas Insight *"This is a weighty tome of information and thought-provoking content. What is most relevant and fruitful for me is the way Rachel Lawes helps marketers (in the broadest sense) understand that semiotics can make tangi­ble what their customers are thinking and feeling in ways that are much more insightful than the kind of answers we tend to get in Q&A market research." * Hilary Woods, Strategic Partner, Crater Lake & Co and Agency for the Third Age *Table of Contents Chapter - 00: Introduction to the new edition; Chapter - 000: Introduction to the first edition; Chapter - 01: Semiotics will change your career in marketing or market research; Chapter - 02: An explosion of semiotics in business; Chapter - 03: How to do research using semiotics – A blueprint for marketers; Chapter - 04: Images, language and other semiotic signs; Chapter - 05: Society, culture and other big influences on consumers; Chapter - 06: Creativity and innovation – Semiotic tools for thinking; Chapter - 07: How to do semiotic field trips; Chapter - 08: Combining semiotics with ethnography and discourse analysis; Chapter - 09: Data – insight – strategy; Chapter - 10: Sharing the findings of semiotic research; Chapter - 11: Industry debates and the future of semiotics; Chapter - 12: Inspiration – How to continue teaching yourself to do semiotics; Chapter - 13: Consumer needs in the 2020s; Chapter - 14: Brands and businesses; Chapter - 15: Marketing and communications; Chapter - 16: Acknowledgements; Chapter - 17: Glossary; Chapter - 18: References;

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Book SynopsisWe all have had the experience of being divided, of being in two minds'' about something - one part of us wants to do this, another wants to do that. Subpersonalities is the first book to do justice to the phenomenon as a normal feature of our psychological life. John Rowan argues that we all have a number of personalities that express themselves in different situations and that by recognising them we can come to understand ourselves better and improve our relationships with others. Anyone reading this book will run the risk of making quite new discoveries about themselves. In looking at where subpersonalities come from, John Rowan explores the work of psychologists and psychotherapists, from Jung and Freud onwards, and adds insights gained from his own work as a therapist and counsellor. He relates the journey of discovery that he himself undertook in search of his own subpersonalities. The result is a fascinating book that challenges our accepted view of ourselves and proTable of ContentsIntroduction; Part 1 What are Subpersonalities?; Chapter 1 Setting the Scene; Chapter 2 Subpersonalities in Everyday Life; Chapter 3 Beginning to Investigate; Part 2 Functions and Uses of Subpersonalities; Chapter 4 Subpersonalities in Psychotherapy; Chapter 5 Subpersonalities in Psychotherapy; Chapter 6 Subpersonalities in Psychotherapy; Part 3 The Explanations; Chapter 7 Development of Subpersonalities; Chapter 8 Other Origins of Subpersonalities; Chapter 9 Academic Research and Subpersonalities; Chapter 10 Objections to Subpersonalities and Some Replies; Part 4 The Potential; Chapter 11 Whither Subpersonalities?; Chapter 12 Beyond the Subpersonalities;

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Book SynopsisComics are a global phenomenon, and yet it's easy to distinguish the visual styles of comics from Asia, Europe, or the United States. But, do the structures of these visual narratives differ in more subtle ways? Might these comics actually be drawn in different visual languages that vary in their structures across cultures? To address these questions, The Patterns of Comics seeks evidence through a sustained analysis of an annotated corpus of over 36,000 panels from more than 350 comics from Asia, Europe, and the United States. This data-driven approach reveals the cross-cultural variation in symbology, layout, and storytelling between various visual languages, and shows how comics have changed across 80 years. It compares, for example, the subtypes within American comics and Japanese manga, and analyzes the formal properties of Bill Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes across its entire 10-year run. Throughout, it not only uncovers the patterns in and across the panels Trade ReviewIn previous innovative publications, Neil Cohn has provided a framework for understanding the visual language of comics across languages and cultures. In this magisterial volume he provides readers with tools for continued research. In essence, this is a carefully constructed handbook for in-depth exploration of visual narrative. -- Dan I. Slobin, Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Linguistics, UC Berkeley, USATable of ContentsList of Figures and Tables Preface 1. Visual Language 2. Corpus-Driven Comics Research 3. Morphology 4. Page Layout 5. Situational Coherence 6. Framing Structure 7. Narrative Structure 8. Visual Languages across Time 9. Cross-Cultural Visual Languages? 10. The Visual Language of Calvin and Hobbes 11. Towards a Visual Language Typology Notes References Index

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Book SynopsisObject Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things. OK as a word accepts proposals, describes the world as satisfactory (but not good), provides conversational momentum, or even agrees (or disagrees). OK as an object, however, tells a story of how technology writes itself into language, permanently altering communication. OK is a young word, less than 200 years old. It began as an acronym for all correct when the steam-powered printing press pushed newspapers into the mainstream. Today it is spoken and written by nearly everyone in the world. Drawing on linguistics, history, and new media studies, Michelle McSweeney traces OK from its birth in the Penny Presses through telephone lines, grammar books, and television signals into the digital age. Nearly ubiquitous and often overlooked, OK illustrates the never-ending dance between language, technology, and culture, and offers lessons for our own techno-historical moment. ObjecTrade Review[A] slim and lucid addition to the Object Lessons series. . . . McSweeney traces the word's evolution through the present, illuminating the ways in which its meaning developed over time. * The Millions *More than just OK. . . . A quick and fascinating read. . . . Short, but mentally nutritious. * The DreamCage *A concise yet wide-ranging tour though the history of how technology has influenced the way we talk with each other. * Gretchen McCulloch, linguist and author of Because Internet *OK is more than just okay—it's the handiest and most up-to-date account of this mysterious yet deathless little expression available. Witness the history of something we say all day every day that's actually new enough that it would have left Thomas Jefferson scratching his head. * John McWhorter, Associate Professor of Linguistics, Columbia University, USA, author of Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter Then, Now and Forever and host of the podcast Lexicon Valley *Table of Contents1. Ok (Introduction) 2. Oll Korrect (Origins) 3. Ok? (Alternative Origins) Grains of Truth An Exotic Loanword Food 4. Olde Kinderhook (Branding) Ok Products 5. Okay (Literature) 6. Oh-kay (Telephone) A Modern Ok 7. Ok! (Television) Culture, Technology, and War 8. K (the Internet) Bulletin Board Systems 9. Kk (Social Media) English 10. [OK emoji] (Gesture) 11. O.k. Ok, Ok, Lol (Conclusion) Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisAmanda Parrish Morgan is a Writing Instructor at Fairfield University and a Westport Writers' Workshop Instructor. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Guernica, The Millions, The Rumpus, The American Scholar, Women's Running, JSTOR Daily, Ploughshares, and N+1, among other places.Trade ReviewFor Morgan, strollers aren't just tools we use, or products we buy; they're dense symbols, with no single or settled meaning, of our relationships to parenting. * New Yorker *Designed objects tell stories, and the stroller is no different - except perhaps that it's a typology that has received little sustained critical framing until this text. A compelling writer, Amanda Parrish Morgan deftly weaves together conversations around aspiration, accessibility, and aesthetics as they relate to this accouterment of modern parenthood and posits the stroller as a complex and sometimes confounding topic worthy of our attention and inquiry. This is an immensely readable volume, and we’re proud to have it on our bookshelves. * Michelle Millar Fisher and Amber Winick, authors of Designing Motherhood: Things That Make and Break Our Births *Part object history, part capitalist critique, a consistently acute and deeply felt depiction of the pleasures, traps, thrills, and dangers of early parenthood, Amanda Parrish Morgan's Stroller compellingly depicts the history and taxonomy of this most weighty and unruly device, ally, and antagonist. * Lynn Steger Strong, author of Want *Table of Contents1. Child-Friendly and Child-Centric 2. Carry the Baby 3. The Pram in the Hall 4. Prams of Good and Evil 5. The Years of Magical Worrying 6. Get Your Body Back 7. Strolling 8. A Taxonomy of Stroller as Metaphor Index

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Book SynopsisObject Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.In 1971, the first lunar rover arrived on the moon. The design became an icon of American ingenuity and the adventurous spirit and vision many equated with the space race.Fifty years later, that vision feels like a nostalgic fantasy, but the lunar rover's legacy paved the way for Mars rovers like Sojourner, Curiosity, and Perseverance. Other rovers have made accessible the world's deepest caves and most remote tundra, extending our exploratory range without risking lives. Still others have been utilized for search and rescue missions or in clean up operations after disasters such as Chernobyl. For all these achievements, rovers embody not just our potential, but our limits. Examining rovers as they wander our terrestrial and celestial boundaries, we might better comprehend our place, and fate, in this universe. Object Lessons is published in p

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Book SynopsisThis book opens readers’ eyes to something they see all the time but take for granted: street signs. It is a portrait of the signs on modern English streets: what they look like, who and what they are for, how they link to English history and how they form part of life in multilingual England today. It describes how their shapes, materials, letters, vocabulary, and grammar differ from other forms of written English, using a framework based on linguistics, typography and writing systems research. It provides readable and entertaining insights into an important use of written English, illustrated with over 400 examples of street signs. The book represents a starting point for the study of street signs as an academic area in its own right.Trade Review‘Fifth Avenue’ – what could be more tedious! Other than Manhattan and Kyoto where streets are just numbered, notable cities use street names. And they know why, as did Vivian Cook. Street signs are a treasure trove of linguistic, societal, historical, political and commercial knowledge. In this book he takes us on a multidisciplinary adventure trip to decode the wonders of written signs in public places. Trust the guide! * Florian Coulmas, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany *Vivian Cook has given us an excellent primer for the study of displayed writing. Based on a wealth of examples collected from two English cities, it will be a long-standing reference for novices and seasoned scholars of public signage in linguistics and other disciplines. * Adam Jaworski, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong *In this fascinating book, Cook takes readers for a walk in two British towns to discover street sign research. With encyclopaedic knowledge, enthusiasm and his signature humour, Cook analyses a wealth of fascinating examples – from hand-scribbled notices to stone-engraved mottos – drawing from his quarter-of-a-century-long inquiry into written language, discussing linguistics, psychology, marketing, aesthetics, politics and more. Our mindless wanderings around town will never be the same again. * Bene Bassetti, University of Birmingham, UK *The Language of the English Street Sign [...] is a comprehensive account of the signs on the streets of two English cities, Newcastle upon Tyne and Colchester, where Vivian spent most of his working life, including letters, numbers, characters, and symbols, handwritten, carved in stones, designed, printed, digitally displayed, etc. It delves into the history and functions of street signs, and opens up a range of avenues for innovative and interdisciplinary research. -- Li Wei, Institute of Education, UCL, UK * Applied Linguistics, 2022 *Cook’s survey is remarkably comprehensive; in years to come, anyone wanting to study the nature of street signage in England at this point in history will do well to consult this book. -- Geoffrey Sampson, University of Sussex, UK * LINGUIST List 33.2244 *Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1. Describing Street Signs Chapter 2. The Writing System of the Street Chapter 3. The Language System of the Street Chapter 4. The Material of the Street Sign Chapter 5. Naming the Street Chapter 6. Controlling Signs Chapter 7. Connotations of Letter Forms in Street Signs Chapter 8. Street Signs in Other Languages Chapter 9. The Nature of Street Signs References Index

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Book SynopsisThis book reports on cutting-edge concepts related to Bourbaki’s notion of structures mères. It merges perspectives from logic, philosophy, linguistics and cognitive science, suggesting how they can be combined with Bourbaki’s mathematical structuralism in order to solve foundational, ontological and epistemological problems using a novel category-theoretic approach. By offering a comprehensive account of Bourbaki’s structuralism and answers to several important questions that have arisen in connection with it, the book provides readers with a unique source of information and inspiration for future research on this topic.Table of ContentsChapter 1: Reflections on Bourbaki's Notion of "Structure" and Categories.- Chapter 2: Bourbaki and Foundations.- Chapter 3: Forms of Structuralism: Bourbaki and the Philosophers.- Chapter 4: Ladders of sets and isomorphisms The shortcomings of Bourbaki’s notion of “structure”.- Chapter 5: The difficulty of neutrality A graph-theoretical solution.- Chapter 6: The wrapped dimension of Bourbaki’s structures mères.

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Book SynopsisThis book offers an in-depth, cross-cultural and transdisciplinary discussion of the translatability of social emotions. The contributors are leading philosophers, semioticians, anthropologists, communication and translation theorists from Europe, America and Australia. Part I explores the translatability of emotions as a culturally embedded social behaviour that requires a contextualized interpretation of their origins and development in different social and cultural settings. These studies make useful preparations for the studies introduced in Part II that continue investigating the cultural and sociological influence of the development of social emotions with a special focus on the dialogical relation to the body and to others. Part III presses on delving into specific types of emotions which underscore social interactions at both the community and individual levels, such as dignity, (im-)politeness, self-regard and self-esteem. Finally, Part IV offers a further development on the preceding parts as it discusses problems of translation, expressibility and mass-medial communication of emotions. This book will engage translation scholars as well as those with a broader interest in the study and interpretation of emotions from different fields, perspectives and disciplines.Trade Review“This informative and up-to-date volume is an essential read for those interested in the interaction of emotion with language, meaning, consciousness, social practices and translation, particularly from a cross-cultural and transdisciplinary perspective. It provides valuable insights into the translatability of human emotions and serves as a foundation for further research and advancement in this emerging field.” (Yanjin Liu, Emotions: History, Culture, Society, Vol. 7 (1), 2023)“This volume’s strengths are, first and foremost, the fascinating nature of the topics. For those of us who are not widely read in the semiotics of emotions, we can delve into just about any chapter … . Another strength is the breadth and depth of the authors’ and editors’ knowledge. … it’s easy to see how this collection of essays would provide stimulating reading for graduate students and researchers in translation studies … .” (Derrin Pinto, Hispania, Vol. 106 (2), June, 2023)Table of ContentsIntroduction, Susan Petrilli.- Part I: On the Transaltability of Emotions.- Alterity and the Translatability of Emotions as the Foundation of Self, Language and Living Together; Susan Petrilli and Augusto Ponzio.- Why Emotions Translate, but Feelings Do Not: Insights from Peirce; Winfried Nöth.- Feeling and Its Unfolding; Lucia Santaella.- Body, Emotion and Semiosis: Translating Emotion into Action; Jacques Fontanille.- Part II: Speaking Emotions Listening to the Body and to Others.- Emotions as Discourse; Alphonso Lingis.- On a Biology of Emotions and Its role in Cultural Evolution; Elize Bisanz.- Emotion, Culture, and the Nature of Truth: For a Dialogical Philosophy; Wayne Cristaudo.- Part III: Becoming Conscious of Emotions and Social Conditioning.- Self-Regard and Disregarded Selves: A Peircean Approach to Several Social Emotions; Vincent Colapietro.- Language, Pragmatics, and Emotions: The Case of Impoliteness; Frank Nuessel.- Saving-Face: The Nonverbal Communicology of Basic Emotions; Richard Lanigan.- Part IV: Expressing Emotions between Mass-medial and Rhetorical Figures.- Emotional Wellbeing and the Semiotic Translation of Emojis; Marcel Danesi.- Transmediality and Translation of Emotions; Peeter Torop.- The Translator’s Mobilization of Social Emotions: A Behavioral-Economic Approach to the Rhetoric of Translation; Douglas Robinson

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Book SynopsisObject Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.We think we know the trench coat, but where does it come from and where will it take us? From its origins in the trenches of WW1, this military outerwear came to project the inner-being of detectives, writers, reporters, rebels, artists and intellectuals. The coat outfitted imaginative leaps into the unknown. Trench Coat tells the story of seductive entanglements with technology, time, law, politics, trust and trespass. Readers follow the rise of a sartorial archetype through media, design, literature, cinema and fashion. Today, as a staple in stories of future life-worlds, the trench coat warns of disturbances to come.Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.Trade ReviewTrench Coat maps the extraordinary lives of this seemingly simple garment, which emerged from early industrialized warfare to become the screen for a multitude of projected dreams, fears and desires across the 20th century to the present. Jane Tynan’s material and cultural history charts the evolution of a coat that is practical yet cryptic, hyper-visible but concealing, possessed of vitality whilst also a form of camouflage. * Rachel Woodward, Professor of Human Geography, Newcastle University, UK *Jane Tynan’s Trench Coat is a delight – richly informative and written in prose as stylish as the object it describes. Uncovering the ‘dark and dangerous energy’ behind this icon of modernity, Tynan vividly captures the trench coat’s perennial appeal. * Catherine Spooner, Professor of Literature and Culture, Lancaster University, UK, and author of Fashioning Gothic Bodies *Really interesting. . . . There's so many iconic moments that this analysis helps us peer more closely into. * New Books Network *Another engaging, thought-provoking paperback in Bloomsbury's excellent 'Object Lessons' series. * The Irish Scene *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Substance 2. War 3. Mobility 4. Insurgency 5. Reportage 6. Heroes or Villains 7. Outsiders 8. Style Conclusion Postscript Notes Index

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Erudite and provocative."---Oliver Balch, Financial Times ​​​​​​​"A book about climate and storytelling that is not only upbeat but downright jaunty."---Aaron Matz, New York Review of Books"A stirring manifesto, and Puchner’s arguments are impressive. He effectively inspires fresh ways of reading, and climate-minded bookworms, especially, will find plenty to savor." * Publishers Weekly *"This cogent, passionate text argues for a comprehensive reenvisioning of our relationship with the natural world to mitigate the accelerating climate crisis.. . . . [Literature for a Changing Planet is a] challenging, important work of literary criticism [that] stretches our ideas of what it is to be human and where we fit in the natural world." * Foreword Reviews *"Martin Puchner’s Literature for a Changing Planet is an urgent call for rereading the stories that have shaped our world. . . . This text will be most useful to teachers of world literature looking to diversify their reading lists and pedagogical practices. It will be useful to literary critics seeking to newly engage with ecocriticism. And it just might prompt a new generation of writers—and spoken-word artists—to create the works that will move us into health and balance with the small blue marvel that is our species’ only home."---Greg Brown, World Literature Today

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Book SynopsisThis book explores resistance as a widespread motif in medieval romance to consider themes of consent, gender, and desire. Medieval romance is usually considered a genre that celebrates love, desire, and sexuality within marriage. However, moments of resistance within it offer a point of tension, where normative scripts and expectations are exposed and opened up to challenge. This book explores such resistance as a widespread motif in the genre, tracing the subversive possibilities it presents, and through them uncovering how romance constitutes particular kinds of love as desirable, shaped by intersecting factors, including gender, status, race, religion, and morality. Drawing upon contemporary work on consent, the politics of desire, and asexuality, it examines how resistance is often transformed into acceptance, through consensual negotiation or coercive force: the romances discussed here demonstrate that a certain level of force, pressure, and persuasion is accepted as a means of forming relationships within the genre, but this reliance on coercion reveals the effort to which romances must go to uphold normative structures of desire. Considering a variety of works, from Marie de France's twelfth-century Guigemar to Thomas Malory's Morte Darthur, Geoffrey Chaucer's Franklin's Tale to William Caxton's fifteenth-century prose romances, this book argues that romance teaches its readers what and whom to desire, as well as how to behave when negotiating their desires, and explores the wider implications for understanding consent, gender, and desire in medieval England. This book is available as an Open Access ebook under the Creative-Commons License CC-BY-NC-NDTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. 'Ar ye a knyght and ar no lovear?' Men Who Resist Love 2. 'But of love to lere': The Proud Lady in Love 3. 'Ne feolle hit þe of cunde / To spuse beo me bunde': Resisting Mésalliance 4. 'What wonder is it thogh she wepte'? Hierarchies of Desire, Race, and Empathy 5. 'What deyntee sholde a man han in his lyf / For to go love another mannes wyf'? Resisting Adultery, Resisting Rape Culture Conclusion: The Ends of Romance Bibliography Index

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Book Synopsis**Nominated for the 2021 Eisner Award for Best Academic/Scholarly Work**Drawings and sequential images are so pervasive in contemporary society that we may take their understanding for granted. But how transparent are they really, and how universally are they understood? Combining recent advances from linguistics, cognitive science, and clinical psychology, this book argues that visual narratives involve greater complexity and require a lot more decoding than widely thought. Although increasingly used beyond the sphere of entertainment as materials in humanitarian, educational, and experimental contexts, Neil Cohn demonstrates that their universal comprehension cannot be assumed. Instead, understanding a visual language requires a fluency that is contingent on exposure and practice with a graphic system. Bringing together a rich but scattered literature on how people comprehend, and learn to comprehend, a sequence of images, this book coalesces research from a diverse range of Trade ReviewCohn’s approach to the book permits a complete, enriching and captivating overview of the issues discussed. * Visual Communication *Who Understands Comics? provides a comprehensive and remarkably accessible account of contemporary theoretical perspectives and behavioral and neuroscience research on visual narratives. ... the promise of this volume is that it will inspire more research, certainly in the next generation of scholars. Cohn has mastered the ability to convey complex information in a straightforward and compelling manner, ... It is a must read for anyone conducting research on visual narratives, interested in doing so, or simply waning to learn about a fascinating topic of research within cognitive science. * The Journal of Pragmatics *Cohn’s book takes many significant steps towards untangling a host of potentially conflicting ideas about how communication in the medium of comics works, for whom it works, where and when. These results, and the sheer breadth of literature that Cohn draws on to demonstrate his points, should consequently make the book required reading not only in the more specific ‘application’ areas that Cohn opens up for discussion but also for the field of visual communication as a whole. * Studies in Comics *From an empirical point of view and a comics studies perspective open to corpus-based and experimental analyses, the documented work can hardly be surpassed in systematicity and innovation, while at the same time standing on firm theoretical and methodological grounds in long-established disciplines. * Projections: The Journal for Movies and Mind *Building on a wealth of data, Cohn bolsters his claim that understanding sequential images is analogous to learning a language. Impressively complementing theoretical expertise and literature reviews with his own experimental research, Who Understands Comics? provides astute insights into visual interpretation cross-culturally, developmentally, and neurologically – thereby moreover benefiting cognition studies. * Charles Forceville, Associate Professor in Media Studies, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands *McCloud helped us understand the comics form, but Cohn delves even deeper, synthesizing diverse theories and empirical research data to explore the factors (culture, neurodiversity, etc.) that determine how readers engage with, comprehend, and react to comics. * Randy Duncan, Director of the Center for Comics Studies, Henderson State University, USA *Assumptions of the universality of images and image sequences pervade both everyday beliefs and many bodies of scientific literature. Spanning neural studies, variations in interpretation proficiency, cognitive disorders, and cross-cultural variation, this timely book challenges this position and convincingly establishes that a far more nuanced view of visual meaning-making is necessary. The sustained empirical critique Cohn provides significantly raises the bar for research in visual communication at large. * John A. Bateman, Professor of Applied Linguistics, Bremen University, Germany *Cohn challenges the assumed transparency and ease of processing of visual languages by combining wide-ranging review of evidence on neurodiverse populations, cultural, developmental and experiential differences with his own unique quantitative corpus analysis and neurocognitive investigations. By showing how individual variation exists at many stages of visual narrative cognition, Cohn lays out a roadmap for future work to expand our understanding of this culturally important mode of communication. This book is sure to become a landmark reference for researchers interested in individual differences in visual language comprehension spanning comics, film and sequential images in all their many forms. * Tim J. Smith, Professor of Cognitive Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, UK *Table of Contents1. An Assumption of Universality 2. Comprehending Visual Narratives 3. Cross-cultural Diversity of Visual Languages 4. Cross-cultural Comprehension of Visual Languages 5. Development of Visual Narrative Comprehension 6. Variation Between Fluent Comprehenders 7. Visual Narrative Comprehension in Clinical Populations 8. Graphic Narratives and Filmed Narratives 9. Visual Language Fluency References Index

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Book SynopsisThe importance of rhythm spans time and space, its significance both natural and constructed. As contemporary society challenges us to search for connection, the question of rhythm is profoundly and uniquely capable of managing the exchange and dialogue between deep narrativity and surface figurativeness. A semiotic examination of the regulative efficacy of rhythm is at the centre of The Sense of Rhythm, which frames rhythm as a characteristic of texts and narratives in order to organize and sense meaning. Rhythm is capable of creating and conveying a passionate tone, and of fostering cross-disciplinary and cross-textual convergences. An awareness and recognition of rhythmic structure allows for potential to cross-code between perception and sensation across cultures. This new edition, published for the first time in English, brings semiotician Giulia Ceriani’s research to English-speaking students and researchers across disciplines. The Sense of Rhythm serves as a foundation for interdisciplinary research, creative practices, and a unique semiotic approach to the study of rhythm.Table of ContentsIntroduction to the New Edition Chapter 1. The Rhythmic ‘Device’ Chapter 2. The Theory of Cultural and Surface Rhythms Chapter 3. The Semiotic Approach Chapter 4. The Rhythmic Gestalt: Constraints and Consequences Chapter 5. The Cognitive Pragmatics of Rhythm Chapter 6. Rhythm as an Aesthetic Tactics Conclusions

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Book SynopsisText in Arabic. This book aims to simplify the ideas and theories that affect the lives of youth, presenting them in an interesting way that suits their abilities and develops them. The book is based on simplifying basic ideas in the Science of Signs (Semiotics), which is a science that deals with the study of symbols, signs and signals, their meanings, and ways of interpreting them. Hence, it aims to help youth in developing their awareness of the surroundings in which they live, enhancing their attention towards the details they are accustomed to seeing, as well as stimulating their senses to read what is around them (paintings, signs, symbols, slogans, pictures, and advertisements). Teaching youth signs and their meanings to stimulate their awareness towards the correct interpretation to each sign, is a way to protect them as misinterpretations may harm themselves and others.

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Book SynopsisEveryday consumers buy into the concept of brands and their associated meanings - the perception of quality, a symbolic relationship, a vicarious experience, or even a sense of identity. Marketing Semiotics suggests that the extent to which consumers recognize, internalize, and relate to brand meanings is not only an academic question. These meanings contribute to ''brand equity'', the financial value of intangible brand benefits that exceed the use value of goods, and impacts upon a firm''s financial performance. Therefore, the management of brand equity demands first and foremost the management of brand meanings, or semiotics.The book uses structural semiotics, a discipline that extends the laws of structural linguistics to the analysis of verbal, visual, and spatial sign systems, to shed light on the cultural codes and discourse of brands. It proposes that semiotic research should form the cornerstone of brand equity management, since brands rely so heavily on sign systems that conTrade ReviewThe world of marketing and consumerism has undergone a radical change in the last few decades-the brands that are put out there are perceived to be much more than products. They have morphed into signs, veritable symbols of who we are, what we aspire to be, and how we intend to attain our life goals. This is a radical change, since these signifying processes were in the domain of social institutions and ideologies. Advertising and marketing have become the new beacons in how we search for meaning. Oswald's book is a brilliant examination of how brands have evolved into meaning making structures. She deconstructs the process insightfully offering us a comprehensive purview of what a branded society is all about. This is required reading for everyone, from students in marketing and culture studies to the general public. It offers a cogent perspective on how brands and social processes are now intrinsically intertwined. * Marcel Danesi, Professor of Anthropology, University of Toronto *In books on the application of semiotics to marketing, there is probably a 'binary distinction' between those that are written for academics, emphasizing literature and theory, and those written for practitioners, stressing examples and cases. Laura Oswald's text carves out a new portion of this space, drawing rigorously on well-accepted principles and frameworks, and then showing their value in understanding and resolving real-world branding and advertising challenges. Anchoring strongly on her deep knowledge of the literature on meaning production and symbolic consumption, Oswald applies this to several real branding case studies from a variety of industries and cultures. I intend to use many of these principles and case studies in my branding classes: there is clearly much that marketing professionals can learn from them. * Rajeev Batra, S.S. Kresge Professor of Marketing, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan *Oswald has crafted a theoretically cogent and empirically rich account of the making of meaning in the marketplace that is accessible to academics and practitioners alike. Anyone concerned with the cultural construction of value will benefit from her many and varied analyses of the contemporary brandscape. She delivers a sensitive interpretation of the mythologies that underlie contemporary commerce. The book will prove as useful in the boardroom as in the classroom. * John F. Sherry, Jr., Herrick Professor and Department Chair, Mendoza College, University of Notre Dame. *A breath of fresh air to the confining functional benefit brand view. Its in-depth discussion of how brands provide meaning to customer lives expands our understanding of brands and their roles. * David Aaker, Vice-Chairman, Prophet, and author of Brand Relevance. *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. Semiotics in the World of Goods ; 2. Marketing Semiotics ; 3. Mining the Consumer Brandscape ; 4. Brand Discourse ; 5. Mining the Multicultural Brandscape ; 6. The Semiotics of Consumer Space

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