How can the fundamental structures of grammar be reinterpreted through the lens of the linguistic sign? William B. McGregor, a scholar with extensive expertise in Australian Aboriginal languages, posits that language functions primarily as a semiotic system. By applying this framework, he challenges traditional syntactic and morphological analyses, offering a cohesive theory that integrates the sign as the core unit of linguistic structure.

Linguists recognize this work as a significant contribution to structural theory, particularly for its cross-linguistic approach. Scholars frequently note the technical density of the prose, which is intended for an audience familiar with advanced linguistic concepts and formal grammatical analysis.