Beyond structural formalism: Archetypal Semiotics and the inferential turn in contemporary meaning analysis

This article argues that the evolution of semiotic analysis requires a paradigm shift from structural formalism to inferential functionalism. By critically examining the limitations of Greimas's generative trajectory in accounting for the psychosocial depth and cultural variability of contemporary narratives, we introduce the foundations of Archetypal Semiotics as developed by Soares (2020-2025). This approach integrates Jung's analytical psychology to propose a methodology based on 'inferential contours' and 'functional apprehensions'. Unlike the abstract logic of the semiotic square, this model investigates how archetypes—understood as primordial ontological narratives—operate dynamically within texts like anime and manga. The article demonstrates that this theoretical inflection not only legitimizes pop culture objects but also provides a robust analytical toolkit for deciphering the symbolic and affective resonances that structure modern meaning-making processes.