A Theory of Computer Semiotics: Semiotic Approaches to Construction and Assessment of Computer Systems

by Peter Bøgh Andersen

• ISBN13: 9780521448680
• ISBN10: 0521448689
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-04-28
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Semiotics is the science of signs: graphical, such as pictures; verbal (writing or sounds); or others such as body gestures and clothes. Computer semiotics studies the special nature of computer-based signs and how they function in use. As computers have become a feature of daily life, work and education, the design of the interface has become of prime importance, so that the machines can be used quickly and easily. Systems are more easily learned if the designer takes his or her departure point in the established sign usage of the users, for example, their language, and conscious use of signs in designs improves the benefits and ease of using computers. This book is based on ten years of empirical research on computer usage in work situations and contains material from a course taught by the author. It introduces basic traditional semiotic concepts and adapts them so that they become useful for analysing and designing computer systems in their symbolic context of work. It presents a novel approach to the subject, rich in examples, in that it is both theoretically systematic and practical. The author refers to and reinterprets techniques already used so that readers can deepen their understanding. In addition, it offers new techniques and a consistent perspective on computer systems that is particularly appropriate for new hardware and software (e.g. hypermedia) whose main functions are presentation and communication. This is a highly important work whose influence will be wide and longlasting.

Table of Contents

Preface to second edition	1	(26)
PART I. THEORY	27	(162)
I.1. The structuralist heritage	29	(46)
I.1.1. Empirical characteristics of two work languages	29	(14)
The car repair shop	29	(7)
The Postal Giro	36	(4)
Summary	40	(2)
Technological and organizational change at the Giro	42	(1)
I.1.2. Other work languages	43	(1)
I.1.3. Adapting the structuralist framework	44	(31)
I.1.3.1. Integrating descriptions of symbolic and non-symbolic acts	47	(3)
I.1.3.2. Integrating the context in linguistic description	50	(4)
I.1.3.3. Linking linguistic theory with a theory of organizations	54	(3)
I.1.3.4. The national language should not be taken as the sole basis of linguistic form	57	(4)
I.1.3.5. Situations and registers as the objects of research	61	(5)
I.1.3.6. Connect descriptions of language states and language changes	66	(5)
I.1.3.7. A materialistic view of language	71	(4)
I.2. Adapting and extending structuralist methods	75	(114)
I.2.1. Basic concepts for describing symbolic acts	75	(21)
I.2.1.1. Functions and functives	75	(4)
I.2.1.2. Form/substance, expression/content	79	(5)
I.2.1.3. The commutation test	84	(3)
I.2.1.4. Parts and wholes	87	(3)
I.2.1.5. System and process	90	(1)
I.2.1.6. Systemic nets: combining process and system	91	(5)
I.2.2. Adapting and extending the concepts	96	(38)
I.2.2.1. The work process	97	(22)
I.2.2.2. Perspectives -- selection, articulation and role	119	(4)
I.2.2.3. Organizational change	123	(2)
I.2.2.4. Functions between work context and language	125	(9)
I.2.3. Computer systems	134	(18)
I.2.3.1. The concept of system in linguistics	134	(3)
I.2.3.2. The concept of system in computer science	137	(4)
I.2.3.3. Differences between the informatic and linguistic concept of system	141	(11)
I.2.4. Interface and register	152	(31)
I.2.4.1. Formal and real meaning	153	(12)
I.2.4.2. Comparing interface and work language	165	(13)
I.2.4.3. Design as language politics	178	(5)
I.2.5. Computers as media	183	(6)
PART II. COMPUTERS	189	(142)
Introduction	190	(3)
II.1. The basic means of expression	193	(74)
II.1.1. Computer-based signs	193	(22)
II.1.1.1. Handling, transient, and permanent features	193	(13)
II.1.1.2. Objects as signs	206	(9)
II.1.2. Analysis of computer-based signs	215	(40)
II.1.2.1. A typology of computer-based signs	216	(14)
II.1.2.2. Genres	230	(2)
II.1.2.3. Direction and scenography of computer-based signs	232	(9)
II.1.2.4. Using the concepts	241	(14)
II.1.3. Semiotic aspects of programming	255	(12)
II.1.3.1. Programming as a meta-semiology	255	(5)
II.1.3.2. Levels of description: handling features	260	(7)
II.2. Composite computer-based signs	267	(64)
II.2.1. The structure of composite computer-based signs	268	(39)
II.2.1.1. The glossematic analytical procedure	271	(7)
II.2.1.2. Sequential syntagms	278	(17)
II.2.1.3. Concurrent syntagms	295	(12)
II.2.2. Styles	307	(24)
II.2.2.1. Are objects or actions most important?	308	(6)
II.2.2.2. Who controls the work process?	314	(5)
II.2.2.3. Cast-iron illusions?	319	(9)
II.2.2.4. Computer stylistics. Conclusion	328	(3)
PART III. LANGUAGE, WORK, AND DESIGN	331	(102)
Introduction	332	(9)
III.1. Language as interpretation. Semantic fields in the Postal Giro	341	(30)
III.1.1. Perspective differences at the Postal Giro	341	(9)
III.1.1.1. C-slips	343	(4)
III.1.1.2. Perspective on change and time	347	(3)
III.1.2. Definition of semantic fields	350	(7)
III.1.3. Using semantic fields for analysis	357	(6)
III.1.3.1. Systems specification, interface and work language	357	(5)
III.1.3.2. Changes of semantic fields	362	(1)
III.1.4. Using semantic fields for design	363	(8)
III.2. Language as action. Language games in the Postal Giro	371	(54)
III.2.1. A psychological definition of language games	371	(5)
III.2.2. A linguistic definition of language games	376	(10)
III.2.2.1. Internal structure of language games	376	(7)
III.2.2.2. External function of language games	383	(3)
III.2.3. Using language games for analysis	386	(17)
III.2.3.1. Language games at the Postal Giro	386	(6)
III.2.3.2. Language game changes	392	(11)
III.2.4. Using language games in design	403	(22)
III.2.4.1. Support for problem-solving	405	(1)
III.2.4.2. Presence is not enough	406	(4)
III.2.4.3. Support for mystery-solving: logging the past	410	(7)
III.2.4.4. Support for forecasting: simulating the future	417	(1)
III.2.4.5. Support for internal reporting: cooperation and division of labor	418	(7)
III.3. Task analysis. Controlling control.	425	(8)
References	433	(12)
Index	445