「演劇、インターネット、そして記号論：デジタル時代のコミュニケーション」の英語長文問題

The intersection of theatre, the internet, and semiotics presents a fertile ground for exploring the complexities of human communication in the digital age. Traditional theatre relies heavily on the immediate, physical presence of actors and audience, creating a shared space of meaning-making through embodied performance and direct interaction. However, the internet, with its asynchronous and geographically dispersed nature, fundamentally alters this dynamic. Consider the use of symbols and signs in both contexts. In traditional theatre, costumes, props, sets, and even lighting function as signifiers, contributing to the overall meaning constructed by the playwright and director. These signs are interpreted within the shared physical space, leading to a potentially unified understanding among the audience. In contrast, online communication relies on digital signs – emojis, memes, GIFs, and textual cues – which are interpreted based on individual experiences and cultural contexts. The meaning generated is often more fragmented and less predictable, subject to the diverse interpretations of the digital audience. Semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, provides a critical framework for understanding these differences. Roland Barthes’s work on semiotics highlights the constructed nature of meaning, arguing that signs are not inherently meaningful but derive their significance from cultural and social conventions. This is particularly relevant to the internet, where the fluidity of meaning and the proliferation of user-generated content constantly redefine the signifying systems at play. A simple emoji, for example, can carry vastly different connotations depending on the platform, the context of the conversation, and the individual’s interpretation. Moreover, the internet’s participatory nature introduces another layer of complexity. While traditional theatre involves a largely unidirectional flow of communication from performers to audience, the internet fosters a more reciprocal and interactive environment. Users actively participate in shaping the meaning of online content through comments, shares, and remixes, leading to a decentralized and evolving interpretation of signs. This participatory culture challenges the traditional notion of authorship and control over meaning, blurring the lines between producer and consumer. Ultimately, the comparison between theatre and internet communication through the lens of semiotics reveals the dynamic and ever-shifting nature of meaning-making in the contemporary world. Understanding these differences is crucial for navigating the complexities of online interaction and for appreciating the unique communicative power of both traditional and digital forms.