AFFECT AND FACIAL DISPLAY

The relationship between facial expression and experienced affect pres ents many problems. The two diametrically opposed positions proposing solutions to this problem are exemplified using the conceptions of Man dler u. Izard. The underlying premises of both conceptions still preva il in various forms. The authors reject the concepts according to whic h facial expression is merely correlated to the affects (see Mandler 1 975) as well as the view that facial expression controls the affects ( see Izard 1977). The relationship betwen affect and facial expression is reexamined, subjecting it to a semiotic, essentially semantic analy sis similar to the Ogden and Richards' language and meaning approach. This analysis involves a critical discussion of Scherer's attempt of a purely communicational interpretation using Buhler's organon model, I n the authors' approach, facial expression is seen not simply as a sys tem of signals, but as a system of representative signs which signify the affects and refer to the emotive meaning of things for the subject . The authors develop the thesis that human beings are not born simply with the ability to speak, but also with the abstract possibility of performing facial expressions. This ability develops by way of coordin ating patterns of expressions, which are presumably phylogenetically d etermined, with affects that take on a socially determined individual form, similar to language acquisition during socialisation. The author s discuss the methodological implications arising for studies investig ating the affective meaning of facial expressions.