ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-METZ1-0010 · ATLAS 251

Autonymy

Use of a sign to refer to itself as an expression rather than to its ordinary referent.

Explanation

Use of a sign to refer to itself as an expression rather than to its ordinary referent. Folds language back onto itself and opens a level of observation.

Example

‘Red’ is italicised here.

Counterexample

Red is a colour.

Distinction

A quotation may reproduce another utterance; autonymous use makes the expression itself the object.

Effect on thought and perception

Folds language back onto itself and opens a level of observation.

Resonance

For a moment, the sign leaves the world and points to its own form.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Autonymy“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-METZ1-0010. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-METZ1-0010

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-METZ1-0010

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