Call for papers: MEI 31: ‘Objects and communication’

Call for papers--- MEI 31: ‘Objects and communication’

Edited by Bernard Darras , the MEI review number 31 will be entitled: ‘Objects and Communication’. This issue intends to be an important step in the study of material culture and its role in communication.

While research on objects is still rare both in semiotics and information and communication science, the central question addressed in this issue primarily concerns the methods of communication of objects and their role in the relationships with people and machinery. This question assumes that the products of material culture are not passive devices but mediators of beliefs, emotions, representations, habits, agencies and obviously commands, actions and uses.

In this context, design as a process for the conception of the products of material culture is seen as a powerful set of tools for adapting and transforming the world of objects, and is therefore a major player in shaping social and cultural relationships.

Although this issue will emphasize the semiotic approaches, all research papers aiming at better understanding the function of communication of the resulting objects and design are welcome.

Organisation of the publication

1- The title and abstract (500 words) of your paper in French or English must be sent by e-mail to Bernard.Darras@univ-paris1.fr
2- The closing date to receive titles and abstracts is 31st September 2009.
3- The results of the reading panel will be published on 15th October.
4- The final papers in French or English must reach the review no later than 15th November in order to be sent to the reading panel.
5- Feedback from the reading panel will be made available before 30th November.
6- The review will be published in French and English in December 2009.