John Austin's notion of illocutionary force is explored within the context of the speech act in the total speech situation; definitions of locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts are reviewed. It is argued that illocutionary acts are performatives that occur within a complete communication situation in which the key element is the…

This article concentrates on the syntagmatic element involved in using and understanding various signalling systems. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

Describes the use of commercial advertisements in an exercise in semantics in the French classroom. (Text is in French.) (AM)

Discusses some basic theoretical perspectives in second-language learning and draws tentative links with underlying themes and processes in simulation gaming. It is argued that the application of simulation gaming to second-language learning encourages learners to play with language symbols and enjoy themselves while learning. (Author/MBR)

Saint-Exupery's story, "The Little Prince," is analyzed from the point of view of the structures through which the author wishes to inspire and instruct the reader. The use of disguised didactic discourse and the manipulation of words toward this end are examined. (MSE)

Discusses the opposing viewpoints of the two most influential linguists of this century--Saussure and Chomsky--suggesting that while both are interested in form as opposed to substance, Saussure sees linguistics as a branch of semiotics and Chomsky sees it as part of cognitive psychology. Evaluates the relevance of these two viewpoints to the…

The Saussurean thesis of arbitrariness of the sign is considered incomplete since it specifies only vertical and not horizontal relations. (DD)

Excerpted from a text dealing with narrative semiotics now in preparation. (DD)

Special issue devoted to language and history. (VM)

Research supported by a grant from the Canada Council. (VM)

Summarizes the results of attempts to teach a young chimpanzee to use sign language, and raises questions about the uniqueness of human language. Analyzes language development in children and suggests that humans differ from nonhuman primates in the ability to analyze the environment into parts which can be manipulated in the mind, and that it is…

Explains the relevance to film criticism of Jung's theory of the collective unconscious and its archetypal manifestations. Analyzes "The Shining," a film representative of the presently dominant occult-horror genre, in terms of the Jungian approach. Discusses the role of film in relation to the world's psychic balance. (PD)

The cartoon's evolution as a reflection of social history and popular culture is examined. Form (linear, film-like, etc.) and content (history, humor, fiction, commentary) and their interrelationship are considered. (MSE)

Examines Kamsa ritual language and describes a model (based on accessibility, formalization, and efficacy) for specifying its semiotic constitution. (EKN)