Actualization
The term actualization designates one of two basic modes of semiotic existence: virtual and actual. Actualizing modalities are knowing (savoir) and being able to do or to be (pouvoir). With regard to language, actualization denotes the operation by which any given language unit is rendered 'present' within a particular linguistic context. Resulting actual existence (in praesentia) characterizes the syntagmatic axis of language, that is, the sentence in the speech flow (parole) as opposed to the language system (langue) from which individual units are selected. Any lexeme, for example, has only virtual existence until it becomes actualized in the context that turns it into a sememe.
Narrative semiotics replaces the couple virtualization/actualization with the ternary virtualization/actualization/realization in order to describe accurately all possible kinds of junction between a subject and an object. Before any junction has been specified, subjects and objects are in virtual positions. Their position is realized once subject and object are conjoined. When, however, they are in a state of disjunction, they are termed actualized. This kind of actualization relates to two possible moments in a quest:
1. It applies when the subject of a quest has acquired competence but has not yet reached the stage of performance and is therefore still disjoined from its object of value. Example: When Bluebeard's wife has obtained the key to the rooms she is not allowed to open, her quest can be described as actualized. Once she has transgressed the taboo, opened the door and seen the horrible truth, she is conjoined with the object of value (knowledge) and the positions are thus realized.
2. Actualization also relates to a state of disjunction that succeeds a quest which has been realized. Example: When Cinderella wishes for a dress to go to the ball, the dress has only virtual existence (in absentia) for her. Once her fairy godmother has produced the garment and given it to Cinderella, subject and object are conjoined and are therefore realized. After the ball, the garment has been returned, subject and object are again disjoined and in the event are merely actualized. In other words, actualization here corresponds with a transformation which amounts to an operation of disjunction. This, on the discursive level, is often tantamount to deprivation.
See also lexeme, realization, sememe and visualization.
