Reading the focal signs of Yadegar Zariran and Karnameh ardeshir Babakan from the perspective of cultural semiotics and Yuri Lotman's semiotic sphere theory

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD in Epic Literature, Hakim Sabzevari University,, Sabzevar, ,Iran

2 Associate professor of Persian language and literature Hakim Sabzevari ,Sabzevar.Iran

3 Associate Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran

Abstract

Based on the principles of cultural semiology and Yuri Lotman’s semiotic sphere theory, the present study deals with the reading and analysis of focal signs in two fundamental texts of ancient Iran, Yadgar Zariran and Karnameh Ardashir Babakan. The “focal sign” is considered the meaning-generating center and organizing force of the semiotic sphere of the text; a sign around which a system of values, norms, and cultural codes is formed and which defines the boundaries of the cultural “self” and “other.” The aim of this research is to identify and explain the function of focal signs in the representation of Iranian culture and to understand the mechanism of demarcation between other cultural spheres. The findings show that in Yadgar Zariran, the focal sign of “stability against distorted reading of religion” is located at the border of the semiotic sphere and the meaning is produced through confrontation and recoding, while in Karnameh Ardeshir Babakan, the focal sign of “cosmic order and legitimacy of power” is located at the center of the semiotic sphere and the meaning is transferred and institutionalized from the center to the periphery. This comparative analysis shows that the Iranian cultural sphere is moving from a defensive and reactive state to an organizing and reproducing state. The research method is descriptive-analytical and based on comparative reading within the framework of Yuri Lotman’s theory

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Main Subjects

Literary Theory and Criticism

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 June 2026

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