No photo of Sara Lenninger
Calculated based on number of publications stored in Pure and citations from Scopus
20122024

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Teaching

I teach childhood education, visual semiotics and visual rhetoric. 

Research

My research centers on the intersection of semiotic theory and communication, with a particular emphasis on how visual meanings are conveyed and interpreted in various communicative contexts. I hold a PhD in Semiotics (2013) and an MA in Philosophy of Arts from Lund University, Sweden. In 2021, I was awarded the title of Docent in Cognitive Semiotics at Lund University. Currently, I serve as an Associate Professor in Cognitive Semiotics at Kristianstad University, Sweden.

Research Focus and Contributions
My primary research interest lies in investigating human meaning-making in development and processes of growth—and what we can learn from that. I am especially focused on how pictures are used as a means of communication and how these visual representations convey complex meanings that transcend verbal language. My work is grounded in the belief that while semiotic theory provides a robust framework for analyzing meaning and meaning-making, it is essential to integrate insights from psychology and cognitive studies to deepen our understanding of human thought processes in development.
A key aspect of my research involves studying children's understanding of pictures in adult-child communication from a cognitive semiotic perspective. By examining how children interpret and use signs in non-verbal communication, I aim to uncover deeper insights into their communicative competencies. This research is not only academically significant but also crucial for advancing children's rights to meaningful participation in their daily interactions with adults, whether in families, schools, preschools, or other social settings.

Research

Professional Engagements and Editorial Roles
In addition to my research, I actively contribute to the broader semiotics community. I am currently a member and the Swedish representative on the board of the Nordic Association for Semiotic Studies (NASS) and a member of the International Association for Visual Semiotics (AISV-IAVS). Furthermore, I serve as an Associate Editor for the journal Cognitive Semiotics, published by De Gruyter, where I help shape the discourse in this interdisciplinary field.

 

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics where Sara Lenninger is active. These topic labels come from the works of this person. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
  • 1 Similar Profiles

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or