Multimodal Linguistics / Semiotics

sign

meaningful unit interpreted as standing for something else

sign system

set of interrelated signs building larger structures and having functions

code

conventional rules for correlating form and meaning (interpretive device)

text / artefact / semiotic event

an instance of (complex) patterned sign use

communciation: encoding/decoding:

production and interpretation of signs

discourse

topic of communication and the codes needed to construct relevant texts

message

minimal semiotic form with textual meaning in context (reference & function)

medium

materials/substances and technologies used to produce and relay signs

semiosis

active process of meaning-making both in production and reception

semiosphere

the wider social context in which signs are produced and interpreted