What was Umberto Ecos profession besides being a novelist?

Besides being a novelist, Umberto Eco was a prominent semiotician and scholar. In chapter 7, The Interview, from the Class 12 English textbook, Eco is noted for his expertise in semiotics, the study of signs and symbols as elements of communicative behavior. This academic background greatly influenced his writing style and themes, as he often incorporated complex philosophical ideas into his novels. Eco’s dual identity as both a scholar and a writer allowed him to explore intricate concepts through accessible narratives, making his work resonate with a wide audience while inviting deeper intellectual engagement.