Polysemy

Polysemy (from the Greek πολυσημεία = multiple meaning) is the capacity for every sign to have multiple meanings. This is a pivotal concept within social sciences, such as media studies and sociolinguistics, due to the ideological implications.

Related Topics:
Greek - Sign - Social sciences - Media studies - Sociolinguistics - Ideological

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According to Dick Hebdige (1979: 117) polysemy means, "each text is seen to generate a potentially infinite range of meanings," making, according to Middleton), "any homology, out of the most heterogeneous materials, possible. The idea of signifying practice ? texts not as communicating or expressing a pre-existing meaning but as 'positioning subjects' within a process of semiosis ? changes the whole basis of creating social meaning" (1990: 165).

Related Topics:
Dick Hebdige - Middleton) - Semiosis

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