Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content
Sara Lenninger

Sara Lenninger

 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3257-4872
    20122026

    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
    Beyond my research, I am actively involved in the international semiotics community. I currently serve as the Swedish representative on the board of the Nordic Association for Semiotic Studies (NASS), and I am also a member of the International Association for Visual Semiotics (AISV-IAVS). Since 2024, I have represented Sweden in the International Association for Semiotic Studies (IASS-AIS).

    In addition, I am Associate Editor of the journal Cognitive Semiotics (published by De Gruyter), where I contribute to the development of this interdisciplinary field at the intersection of meaning-making, cognition, and communication.

    Research

    Currently (2024–2025), I am a participating researcher in an internally funded collaborative project on pedagogical work with children’s sense of belonging, and the politics of belonging, in school-age educare (fritidshem). In this project, I contribute a cultural semiotic perspective on belonging. The project is financed through platform funding at Kristianstad University and is carried out in close collaboration with professional practitioners in fritidshem.

    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):

    1. SDG 4 - Quality Education
      SDG 4 Quality Education

    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
    View full fingerprint

    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
    Explore network further
    View all 51 research outputs
    View all 14 activities