The theory of signifying (significs), formulated and introduced by Victoria Welby for the first time in 1890s, is at the basis of much of 20th-century linguistics, as well as in other language and communication sciences such as sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, translation theory and semiotics. Indirectly, the origins of approaches, methods and categories elaborated by analytical philosophy, Wittgenstein himself, Anglo-American speech act theory, and pragmatics are largely found with Victoria Lady Welby. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that Welby is the ""founding mother"" of semiotics.