Augustine's legacy for the history of zoosemiotics

The present article focuses on St. Augustine’s most significant contributions to the history of zoosemiotics. It attempts to propose a reading of St. Augustine’s philosophical writings which sheds light on his understanding of animal communication and human non-verbal communication. The aim of the paper is to argue for a consideration of St. Augustine as a semiotician ante litteram not only for that which concerns the theory of the sign, but also for theoretical insights regarding modes of communications that transcend natural language, with particular regard to gestures and finger-pointing.