Scriptological space as a semiotic system: functional and semantic analysis of graffiti

this study is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis of the functional-semantic content of graffiti within the scriptological space – a limited surface (such as school desks) used for spontaneous inscriptions. The aim of the work is to identify and systematically describe the patterns and connections between the localization of graffiti in a specific sector of the scriptological grid and its substantive, meaningful, as well as communicative characteristics. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were set: 1) to conduct a critical review of contemporary domestic and foreign research in the fields of linguistics, semiotics of space, and sociolinguistics related to the phenomenon of graffiti; 2) to develop and test a methodology for field collection and mapping of graffiti texts linked to the scriptological grid; 3) to carry out semantic, pragmatic, and communicative classification of the collected corpus of texts; 4) to identify statistically significant patterns in the distribution of types of graffiti across space sectors; 5) to interpret the obtained data in the context of spatial semiotics theories and communicative strategies. The empirical basis of this research consisted of a corpus of 300 graffiti texts. As a result, it was proven that the placement of graffiti is not random, but follows deep patterns that reflect the intentions and psycho-emotional state of the scriptor (the author of the graffiti). The identified "dialogic" and "non-dialogic" sectors, as well as zones of concentration of specific types of discourse (invective, romantic, pragmatic), indicate a systematic organization of the scriptological space. The practical results can be applied in sociolinguistic diagnostics, educational psychology, the design of educational environments, and in the study of non-institutional forms of communication.

scriptological space, graffiti, semantics, pragmatics, communicative strategy, scriptor, semiotics of space, linguo-pragmatics