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The polysemy of the sign: From quantum computing to the garden of forking paths

  • Yair Neuman
Veröffentlicht/Copyright: 24. April 2008
Semiotica
Aus der Zeitschrift Band 2008 Heft 169

Abstract

In both natural language and biology, signs are polysemous, with a range of possible meanings before interaction-in-context determines their value. What is the meaning of polysemy? What is the role of polysemy in linguistic and biological systems? In this paper, I present the idea that organisms function by using two di¤erent, orthogonal modes of communication: digital (involving discrete units) and analogue (involving continuous values). I argue that the polysemy of the sign, here metaphorically interpreted as a ‘superposition,’ is necessary for orchestrating these modes and tying them to a concrete context of interaction.

Published Online: 2008-04-24
Published in Print: 2008-April

© 2008 by Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG, D-10785 Berlin

Heruntergeladen am 2.10.2025 von https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/SEM.2008.029/html
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