文化记忆的符号机制初论

Preliminary Thoughts on the Semiotic Mechanism of Cultural Memory

从符号学的角度来审视文化记忆是明智且自然的选择,这是研究对象的符号性本质所决定的。为了分析文化记忆的符号机制,本文在前人理论的基础上对文化记忆的概念加以了界定。文化记忆明确地依赖象征符号,主要指的是文化记忆载于象征,即象征是文化记忆的外在携带物和提醒物,实现文化记忆的客观符号化。在研究文化记忆的符号机制过程中,我们并不能照搬套用索绪尔的二元符号模式。相比较而言,皮尔士的三元符号结构在这方面似乎更加具有解释力。本文对文化记忆的符号物质性、文化记忆的符号活动等一系列相关问题进行了初步的分析,为后续的进一步研究做了一些关键的铺垫。

It is a wise and natural choice to scrutinize cultural memory from a semiotic perspective. This is predetermined by the semiotic nature of the subject matter. In order to analyze the semiotic mechanism of cultural memory, the present paper builds on some existing theories and delimits the very concept of cultural memory. To state cultural memory is manifestly dependent on symbols mainly means it is carried by symbols, which are external vehicles and reminders of cultural memory that serve the purpose of its objectivation. We cannot impose the Saussurean dyadic sign model on stud? ies of the semiotic mechanism of cultural memory. By comparison. the Peircean triadic semiosic structure seems to possess more explanatory power. The present paper affords some preliminary analyses of such issues as the semiotic materiality of cultural memory and the semiosis of cultural memory. These analyses are intended to lay a crucial foundation for subsequent critical studies.