Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
a Saussurean perspective, the sequence stood for something could be
regarded as partly belonging to the language—from its regular pattern—
and partly to speech, while stood for plenty is clearly part of speech. For
information theory, the contrasts in the relative frequency of occurrence
of the two different messages would be consistent with the strength of the
semantic, rather than syntactic, associations between internally cohesive
units.
Summary
Thus, our review and analysis of examples has indicated the value of
understanding signification in written language and transformations on
written language from the interaction between syntagma and paradigm.
The understandings already developed imply limits to logical or compu-
tational formalization. The syntagma has been consistently present as a
real existent, while the paradigm has tended to be realized as an analytic
construct. Practical understanding of the value of the extended syntagma,
both for searching documents and for displaying references, has thus far
largely preceded any theoretical articulation.
Conclusion
We have derived specific analytic advantages from the congruences identi-
fied between linguistics and information theory. Linguistics has provided
a model for describing the relation between signifier and signified, when
the signifier—as word or multiword sequence—is extracted from the syn-
tagma, released into its paradigm, and reinserted in a variety of syntagmas
by computational and human operations on written language for infor-
mation retrieval. The most distinctive and valuable contribution has been
an enhanced understanding of the shifting relation between expression
and content.
We developed an account of the production of meaning in written lan-
guage as interaction between the syntagma and paradigm. We approached,
but did not fully exhaust, the limits of choice offered by written language
and its computability on a semantic level. The preference implied by
common patterns of interactive use for nondeterministic modes of use
of systems could be strongly supported. The convergence of Saussurean
Search WWH ::




Custom Search