The theory is compared with other approaches to semiotics and linguistics, and particularly with the standard version of axiomatic functionalism. An informal account is given of the twin basic components of the theory - the signum ontology and the system ontology. The latter deals with the purely abstract level of analysis, and covers roughly the traditional areas of phonology and grammar. A set of postulates, constituting a formal statement of the theory, is provided in an appendix. Without disguising complexities, the book presents extended axiomatic functionalism in a clear and accessible manner.
Wide use is made of figures and cross-referencing, and detailed indices are provided.
John Benjamins Publishing Company Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc.