Thursday, March 29, 2007

Semiotics: an assessment

Paddy Whannel says that:

semiotics tells us things we already know in language we will never understand
Chandler, Daniel, Semiotics: The Basics (London, Routledge, 2002) p14 citing Seiter, 1992, 1

Daniel Chandler goes on to say:

At worst, what passes for ‘semiotic analysis’ is little more than a pretentious form of literary criticism applied beyond the bounds of literature and based merely on subjective interpretation and grand assertions. This kind of abuse has earned semiotics an unenviable reputation in some quarters as a last refuge for academic charlatans. (p207)

I hope semiotics has something more positive to offer and that my last 3 days in the library with it weren't entirely wasted!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It will give you something impressive to throw into conversation after dinner! You'll certainly be able to have knowledgable conversations with Sarah next time she visits me whilst I look on all confused

Have you sought Rebecca Beale's opinion on it?

By the way The Evangelical Theological College of Wales claims to churn out the most PHDs of any theological college. Does Oak Hill on the other hand have the record for the most people already with PHDs entering its programme?