The article constitutes an attempt to answer the question whether demotivators being popular in multimedia communication can be treated as an example of verbal – iconic texts which have a right to an visual planes status. In the present article an answer is sought to the question in what semantic relation the elements of the verbal and iconic layer of a given demotivator remain with regard to each other as well as what function can be ascribed to them. In reference to the theory of microtexts according to Hardarik Blühdorn presented is also the author’s own concept of microtext which integrates verbal and iconic elements. A formal, semantic and functional analysis of demotivators serves to demonstrate that they are entitled to the status of visual planes.
Contemporary urban spaces are full of visual planes on which all kinds of signs are combined in a comprehensive manner, collectively creating new meanings. If these messages are connected with a given place or situation, they perform specific functions resulting from this fact, for example they structure urban space, they facilitate orientation, they warn, forbid, advertise, and embellish. The aim of the present article is the analysis of selected urban texts occurring in German and Polish cities paying special attention to their structural layer as well as its compliance with principles of semiotic economy.
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