The main goal of this article is to introduce to a critical account of two communicative approaches on phenomenon of self: semiotic self and dialogical self theoretical frameworks. Both perspectives are analyzed separately and then compared. One argues that differences on space-temporal dimension of the self in each theory imply distinct epistemology and ontology. Although both perspectives work with the sign that is the conversational (or dialogical) perception of meaning, and the functionality (or pragmatics) of expression, different assumptions concerning the culture influences set different places for both theories. The semiotic perspective turns to the phenomenon's functionality and sets a research context embedded on psychology of basic process, supported by evolutionary ontology concerned to self as meaning creator. The dialogical perspective turns to the applicability of the concept and sets an applied research context directed towards clinical psychology and supported by metaphoric and romantic ontology concerned to dialogue among self positions.
Semiotic self; dialogical self; temporality