A Commons Room. Wrought-iron welcoming gates. The Earl of Chatham's shield. If we can read these signs, we can learn the meaning of the University of Pittsburgh. This is a story about learning to grasp for signs.
Signs are ubiquitous in our culture, both visible and invisible, subtle and clear.
Most are not affixed to poles along highways. So say the savants of signs, the semioticians, those blessed with the knack for discovering the underlying message in things. They see the world essentially as a semiosphere. Others appreciate signs, but within limits. But I am eager to see if I can see a sign being formed.