The Variable Scope Of Semiotic Consistency

Consistency is a gradable property, varying from as low a value as ‘not being inconsistent’ to ‘being in harmony’ to as high a value as ‘being wholly consistent’, and models may vary in terms of consistency within some domain of categorising. The “truth” of a model depends on the degree to which it fits other models. The scope within which meanings may be consistent varies from the very local to the more global. For example, ideational construals may be consistent within or across[1] fields, within or across tenors, within or across modes. Interpersonal values may be consistent within or across fields, within or across tenors, within or across modes. Textual saliences may be consistent within or across fields, within or across tenors, within or across modes.



Footnote:


[1] This book is an attempt to establish some degree of ideational consistency across fields.