Signs and Society

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Intersections of Signs and Culture

Introduction

Welcome to the Signs and Society information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Signs and Society, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN2326-4489
PublisherUNIV CHICAGO PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2015 to 2024
AbbreviationSIGNS SOC / Signs Soc.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1427 E 60TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60637-2954

Aims and Scopes

Signs and Society focuses on the intricate relationships between signs, meaning-making, and social contexts. The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from semiotics, linguistic anthropology, cultural studies, and media studies to explore how signs function within various societal frameworks.
  1. Semiotic Analysis:
    The journal employs semiotic analysis to understand how signs and symbols create meaning in different cultural contexts, highlighting the role of language, visual media, and other forms of communication.
  2. Cultural and Social Contexts:
    Research often investigates how cultural practices and social structures influence the interpretation and use of signs, providing insights into power dynamics, identity, and community.
  3. Multilingualism and Transnational Communication:
    A core area of focus is on multilingualism and the impact of globalization on communication practices, including how different languages and dialects function within transnational spaces.
  4. Technology and Communication:
    The journal explores the intersection of technology and communication, examining how digital platforms and social media alter traditional semiotic processes and cultural expressions.
  5. Political and Ideological Implications:
    Papers frequently address the ideological implications of signs, including political satire, identity politics, and the role of signs in social movements and collective action.
Recent publications in Signs and Society reveal emerging themes that are gaining traction, reflecting the evolving landscape of communication studies and the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues. These themes highlight the journal's commitment to addressing pressing social and cultural phenomena.
  1. Digital Communication and Memes:
    There is a notable increase in studies focusing on digital communication, particularly the role of memes and social media in shaping cultural narratives and societal discourse.
  2. Intersectionality and Identity:
    Emerging themes around intersectionality are becoming prominent, with a focus on how various identities (race, gender, class) intersect and influence semiotic practices in diverse contexts.
  3. Materiality and Embodiment:
    Research exploring the materiality of signs and the embodied experience of communication is on the rise, emphasizing how physicality and context affect meaning-making.
  4. Political Rhetoric and Satire:
    The analysis of political rhetoric, satire, and their implications for public discourse is increasingly prevalent, reflecting a growing interest in how signs function within political contexts.
  5. Globalization and Language Practices:
    Emerging studies are examining the implications of globalization on language practices, particularly how transnational flows impact multilingualism and cultural exchange.

Declining or Waning

While Signs and Society has consistently engaged with a wide range of themes, certain areas appear to be declining in prominence based on recent publications. The following themes are becoming less frequent, indicating a potential shift in focus or a conclusion of previously explored topics.
  1. Traditional Linguistic Studies:
    There seems to be a waning focus on traditional linguistic studies that primarily examine grammar and syntax without considering broader social implications, as newer research emphasizes semiotic and cultural dimensions.
  2. Historical Linguistics:
    Papers that delve into historical linguistics and the evolution of languages are appearing less frequently, possibly due to a shift towards contemporary issues and the immediacy of current sociocultural dynamics.
  3. Local Cultural Practices:
    Research concentrating solely on local cultural practices without a transnational or technological lens is diminishing, as the journal increasingly prioritizes global perspectives and interconnectedness.

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