SEX, SIGN AND SYMBOL - POLITICS AND FEMINIST SEMIOTICS

This article begins with an examination of semiotics to explain the po litics of language by focusing on three aspects of communication. Firs t is a discussion and examination of how language and speech establish a communication system which rules citizens. Second is a demonstratio n of how citizen readers can play active roles in the construction of meanings. Third is an examination of how new speech practices can intr oduce new politics. By drawing upon U.S. feminists who employ semiotic s, the article proceeds to reveal the power of this approach for under standing the sexist practices that inhibit political life. Finally, th e article develops four political strategies, inspired by feminist sem iotics, that promise to change political life in order to move us clos er to gender justice.