Abstract

The "manipulation", in its figurative meaning, belongs to the semantic domain of the lie. But what is it that allows the human being to lie? This study observes two levels of analysis: the first, theoretical, explores the characteristics of the linguistic sign starting from the concept of arbitrariness and referentiality. It then extends the reasoning to the overall structure of the sign to show that it is the sign itself that allows the speaker to say both 2the thing that is" but also "the thing that is not". The second, pragmatic level addresses the ways in which manipulative messages are constructed: the rules for playing the game of manipulation are actually few and simple. Examples of oriented narratives and persuasive strategies are examined. Finally, the phenomenon of post-truth is treated, the effect of the "liquid society", where lying or telling the truth no longer have an insurmountable limit.