The Synergy of Peirce and Vygotsky as an Analytical Approach to the Multimodality of Semiotic Mediation

Abstract

The ontological resonance between Peirce and Vygotsky is an area of increasing interest within cultural-historical activity theory, arguably deserving of considered scrutiny and elucidation. Premised on conceptual pluralism and variance in sociolinguistic and sociocultural perspectives, this article proposes a Peirce–Vygotsky synergy for multimodal analysis. Following a discussion of its theoretical basis, the logical fusion of deduction and abduction is designated to authorise this synergy. Through the word-image complementarity in a storybook, it exemplifies how this synergy can afford a profound account of semiotic mediation. Exploratory as it is, the article accentuates the Peirce–Vygotsky confluence in research into communication and representation.