ABSTRACT
In the Introduction chapter we outline roughly in what ways integrational linguistics stands out from other contemporary theories of language and communication, in particular when it comes to differences in conceptualizing the sign, the notion of “languages” and the status of linguistic activities vis-à-vis non-linguistic activities. We elaborate on the theoretical opposition between semiology and semiotics, and where integrationism locates itself, and explain how an integrational “semiology” differs from a Saussurean one. We emphasize the necessity for a volume on new directions for integrational linguistics on the grounds that there still remain plenty of (i) unresolved questions in understanding language and communication from an integrational perspective as well as (ii) underdeveloped topics within the theoretical framework itself. We also argue that the adoption of an inclusive view in the present volume has made it possible to relate integrational linguistics productively to other theoretical approaches. We conclude the chapter by providing brief descriptions of the different contributions and how they thematically relate to each other.
