Published by De Gruyter Mouton

Volume 11 Issue 1

Issue of Chinese Semiotic Studies

Contents
Journal Overview

Publicly Available February 3, 2015

Part One: Chinese Cultural Signs and Sign Theories

February 3, 2015

The Spatial Signification of Shanghai Shikumen Longtang

Abstract

In this paper I claim that the spatial structural system of Shanghai Shikumen Longtang constitutes a sign system based on its architectural semiotics. The paper focuses on the structure of the architectural space, including the interactive relationship between the architectural spatial structure and its residents. The research agenda undertakes a theoretical study of modern architectural semiotics by means of syntactic and semantic analyses of the spatial structure of Shanghai Shikumen Longtang, including as well an analysis of the pragmatics of meaning in production and reproduction in Shanghai Shikumen Longtang. The application of spatial language grammar in the analysis reveals the meaning of the sign system of the architectural spatial structure and pragmatic communication of Shanghai Shikumen Longtang, decodes the profound and intricate signification in the spatial system of Shanghai Shikumen Longtang and suggests a deeper and broader view for recognizing the underlying meaning system of the Longtang in the urban space of modern Shanghai City.

Part Two: Western Cultural Signs and Sign Theories

February 3, 2015

Human Life, Symbol and Writing

Maurice Maeterlinck's L’Oiseau blêu

Susan Petrilli

Page range: 39-64

Abstract

This essay proposes a reading of L’Oiseau bleu, féerie en six actes et douze tableaux, a play of 1909 by Maurice Maeterlinck, translated into various languages, including English. Given the central role played in it by the symbol, this work is particularly interesting if considered in the framework of the general science of signs, or semiotics. Moreover, through this work Maeterlinck proposes a vision of the cosmic order and thematizes the positive and vital character of plurality and of difference.

February 3, 2015

Cultural Identity in Claudia Llosa’s The milk of sorrow

Leticia Gómez

Page range: 65-78

Abstract

Focusing on the main character Fausta in the film The milk of sorrow / La teta asustada by Claudia Llosa, this article applies a narratological and postcolonial queer analysis to the process of Fausta’s identity creation to reveal in the text certain cultural identity negotiations. It is suggested that by means of the representation of cultural identity, a critique is posed to the current (un)balance of power that is directly relatable to coloniality. The study concludes that cultural identity is based on character(s)-construction and their relation to chronotopes, i.e. representations of temporal and spatial categories or ‘time-space’. It is also suggested that the text questions traditional models of power, although the critique is less potent in parts of the text.

February 3, 2015

Deixis in Musical Narrative

Musical Sense-making between Discrete Particulars and Synoptic Overview

Mark Reybrouck

Page range: 79-90

Abstract

This paper conceives of music as discourse. It elaborates on the deictic concept of pointing as a heuristic guide for sense-making and stresses the role of focal attention as a means for singling out those elements that are denoted as being meaningful. Three aspects are discussed: the delimitation of the elements (which elements?), the mutual relations of these elements (the structure of the music) and the mental operations of the listener (narrative comprehension). To the extent that all these aspects can be organized in a kind of overall mental apprehension, it is possible to explore the possibilities of cognitive maps as organizational tools for musical sense-making, both as the result of sensory experience and cognitive processing by the listener.

February 3, 2015

The Semiotic Function of the Kola Nut in Nigeria

Its Socio-cultural Value and National Significance

Steve Bode O. Ekundayo, Esther Nkiruka Ugwu

Page range: 91-106

Abstract

Kola nut is a ubiquitous crop that is the most valued, respected and widely used of all foods and cash crops grown in Nigeria. The presence of kola nut at a gathering or the offer of it generates a whirlpool of feelings in the giver and the receiver. In addition to building on existing knowledge of the kola nut, this paper - semiotic in approach and based on many years of empirical study - establishes and elucidates the inherent qualities and contents that make kola nut unique, iconic and symbolic. The paper concludes that kola nut is a great icon of socio-economic, socio-cultural and religious values and thus it enhances national cohesion.

Part Three: Interactions between Chinese and Western Semiotics

February 3, 2015

Cross-media Integration of Literature and Dance

Yu Ling

Page range: 107-121

Abstract

Creative artists can achieve cross-media integration of literature and dance. Blood Carmen, the novel by Hong Kong writer Huang Biyun, combines the rhythm and beat of literature with that of flamenco dance into a unified whole, tapping out a unique artistic work. First, the form of dance is blended into the form of language in order to create a unified, dynamic narrative. Second, literary style is blended with the style of dance. Third, the author, through her portrayal of the dancers’ lives, expertly evokes aspects of the unspeakable pain life often brings. Huang Biyun’s own soul resonates with flamenco, and from this deep, personal experience she has given us new possibilities for the cross-media narrative.

About this journal

Objective

Chinese Semiotic Studies (CSS) is a peer-reviewed academic journal sponsored by the International Institute of Semiotic Studies of Nanjing Normal University and the Chinese Semiotic Research Center of the Chinese Association of Linguistic Semiotics.

As the only international semiotics journal in China appearing in English, CSS is a unique outlet for Chinese scholars to be heard in global academia, affording an expanded and constructive dialogue between Chinese and non-Chinese semioticians on China-related subject matters and beyond.

Each issue contains three thematic sections: (i) Chinese Cultural Signs and Sign Theories, (ii) Western Cultural Signs and Sign Theories and (iii) Interactions between Chinese and Western semiotics.

Topics

Chinese semiotics
Linguistic studies
Area studies
Asian studies

Article formats
Original Research Articles, Review Articles, and Book Reviews.

Volume 11 Issue 1

Issue of Chinese Semiotic Studies

Titelei

The Spatial Signification of Shanghai Shikumen Longtang

A Semiotic Approach

Abstract

Human Life, Symbol and Writing

Maurice Maeterlinck's L’Oiseau blêu

Abstract

Cultural Identity in Claudia Llosa’s The milk of sorrow

Abstract

Deixis in Musical Narrative

Musical Sense-making between Discrete Particulars and Synoptic Overview

Abstract

The Semiotic Function of the Kola Nut in Nigeria

Its Socio-cultural Value and National Significance

Abstract

Cross-media Integration of Literature and Dance

Abstract