Abstract
A language is a system of signs used for communication, and linguists
are tasked with, among other things, uncovering the syntax and semantics of such systems. In this paper I explore to what extent pictures fit this characterization of a language and hence would fall within the domain of linguistics. I conclude that at the very least there are well-defined systems of depiction for which we can give a precise semantics, in a possible worlds framework reminiscent of what linguists are used to. The only real difference is that pictorial propositions are not derived via the linguistically familiar lexicon and recursive composition rules, but via geometric projection. I then show how sequences of pictures, like sequences of utterances, can be used to form coherent discourses. I explore in some detail extensions of the formal discourse semantics of Segmented Discourse Representation Theory to deal with comics, i.e. storytelling through picture sequences. I focus specifically on the
representation of events and the integration of both symbolic and iconic elements in comics.
are tasked with, among other things, uncovering the syntax and semantics of such systems. In this paper I explore to what extent pictures fit this characterization of a language and hence would fall within the domain of linguistics. I conclude that at the very least there are well-defined systems of depiction for which we can give a precise semantics, in a possible worlds framework reminiscent of what linguists are used to. The only real difference is that pictorial propositions are not derived via the linguistically familiar lexicon and recursive composition rules, but via geometric projection. I then show how sequences of pictures, like sequences of utterances, can be used to form coherent discourses. I explore in some detail extensions of the formal discourse semantics of Segmented Discourse Representation Theory to deal with comics, i.e. storytelling through picture sequences. I focus specifically on the
representation of events and the integration of both symbolic and iconic elements in comics.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Linguistics |
| Editors | Gabe Dupré, Ryan Nefdt, Kate Stanton |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 2025 |