Reading the rural landscapes.

摘要

This paper argues that linguistics, either structural linguistics or semiotics, provides useful tools for deciphering conceptions of rural landscape. It proposes the following classification of the languages of rural landscapes based on the economic, social and cultural position of the groups who were or are responsible for their genesis: (1) the languages of function, the generative grammars of landscape elements and the semiotics of religious signification for traditional farming groups; (2) the rhetoric of harmony, purity and social status and power for upper or middle class urbanites from the Middle Ages to the 20th century; and (3) the languages of genuine nature, amenities and outdoor activities for the new rural population which resulted from the 20th century revolutions in mobility and activity.