The entire modern way of the world consists of many separate systems. If you have not thought about it, just imagine: everything that we are used to reading, understanding and interpreting are all signs. A man came up with their special associations in order to fix, save and perceive information.
In order for the characters to be countless, as a variety of phenomena in this world, special structures have been created. It is these that we are going to consider in this article, as well as provide a vivid and understandable example of a sign system. This linguistic topic will be interesting and not only to specialists. And we’ll start to consider it sequentially so that all data is perceived easily and simply.
Definition
Before considering in detail any example of a sign system, we consider it necessary to understand what this phenomenon is.
So, a sign system is a certain combination of basically the same type of signs, having an internal structure and, to some extent, explicit laws of the formation, interpretation and use of its elements. Its main task is to provide full-fledged collective and individual communicative processes.
At the same time, it is worth recalling what a sign is, in fact, a material object that becomes a substitute (embodiment) of another object, phenomenon, property. It captures, stores and perceives information (which we also call knowledge).
Types of Sign Systems
Theoretical studies of semiotics classified the currently existing functioning data transfer structures as follows:
- natural;
- verbal;
- functional;
- iconic;
- conventional;
- recording systems.
We will touch on these types in more detail after we consider the following question - what is a language as a sign system. For now, let us dwell on the criteria on the basis of which they stand out.
Signs
We already know what a sign system is, but we got acquainted only abstractly with the definition of a term. As a very extensive category, it includes far from all the elements called signs. So, what are the signs that allow her to be such?
- Firstly, at least two characters must be combined in any system.
- Secondly, the elements should be systematized according to a certain principle.
- Thirdly, the emergence of new elements can be carried out only on a well-defined principle.
The study of signs and sign systems
The issues of sign structures are dealt with by a separate science - semiotics. In essence, it is a borderline discipline between linguistics, information theory, sociology, literature, psychology, biology.
Studying in semiotics is carried out in three main directions, which are designated as sections of science:
- Syntactics. The object of study is the objective laws of sign systems, the relationship between their elements, the laws of their combination and formation.
- Semantics. It studies the meaning, in other words, considers the relationship between the sign and its meaning.
- Pragmatics. It studies the relationship between the system and the entities using it.
One of the individual aspects of the study is the semiotics of culture. This concept is due to the fact that in any culture there is information transmitted through signs. This usually refers to texts. It is noteworthy that the text of culture in the concept of this science is any medium.
Language as a system of signs in semiotics
We all deal with language every day. We may not have thought about this before, but utterances formed from words, syllables and letters (sounds in spoken language) are all a system. Semiotics gives her an exhaustive interpretation.
Language is a sign formation that serves to store the transmission and accumulation of information, which has a physical nature. Its functions are communication and obtaining information in the process of diverse human activities.
In turn, different sign codes are used within the language, for example, transcription, sign language, shorthand, Morse code, and others. Languages in semiotics - according to the most general criterion - are divided into natural and artificial. We will continue to delve into the topic of what the sign system of language is.
Semiotics about the language
As you can see, language is the closest example of a sign structure to us. In addition, in semiotics, it is also the most important of the phenomena, occupying a special place among other auxiliary systems. Language is not only a means of expressing information, but also the design of human thought, emotions, a way of expression, that is, the range of functions performed is extremely wide.
At the same time, for comparison: specialized sign systems (by the way, they are usually artificial) transmit only information that is limited in type and quantity or transcode it.
The scope of language use is also special in comparison with specialized formations. It affects absolutely all areas of scientific and practical activity. Specialized iconic structures, on the contrary, are narrowly targeted.
Language is formed, developed in the process of use, obeying internal laws and external influences. Special sign systems are the result of a one-time agreement of people that are absolutely artificial.
Natural and artificial languages
The functions of the language in comparison with other systems are much wider. We also mentioned that the main criterion for the separation of languages classifies them into artificial and natural. Now consider these two types of languages in more detail.
So, natural language is the one that appeared with man. Its development occurs naturally, a person does not produce a conscious action on it.
About artificial languages, as you might have guessed, let's say that they are purposefully created by man systems for specialized purposes. The creation of artificial systems is due to the fact that in some cases it is inefficient or even impossible to use the means of natural languages.
To the question of artificial languages
We have already learned enough in the discussion of the topic: "Language as a Sign System". We consider interesting the features of artificial languages. Their classification provides for such subspecies as:
- planned languages - ways of international communication; carry an auxiliary function; such is the famous Esperanto, to which a lively interest flared up in the last century;
- symbolic languages - mathematical signs, physical, logical, chemical;
- languages of human-machine communication - these include programming languages.
Semiotics as a science
The study of signs is the subject of a special science - semiotics, which explores the emergence, structure and functioning of various systems that store and transmit information. Semiotics studies natural and artificial languages, as well as general principles that form the basis of the structure of all signs.
Science considers language in a broad sense, that is, it covers both natural and artificial. Naturals are considered to be primary modeling systems. The languages of culture are secondary, because through them a person socializes informationally, perceives knowledge and affects the world around him.
Secondary modeling systems are also called cultural codes. An example of a sign system - a cultural code: cultural texts, with the exception of natural language. To understand these phenomena, it is worth calling examples more specifically. So, models of behavior, religious texts, beliefs, rituals, units (objects, works) of art are all secondary modeling systems.
Such systems are built in the image of a natural language, but are used as artificial: in a certain field of activity, for the exchange of specific information. Such sign systems are studied intentionally, some of them are available only in certain social groups. For comparison, recall that natural language is a common heritage.
Typology, features, examples
Earlier in our article, we examined various issues related to a given topic - a sign system, examples of it, categories of definition. Now we will touch on a little more in detail of their types, giving examples for illustrative purposes. They will apply not only to languages.
- Natural signs - phenomena of nature, certain things that can point us to other phenomena, objects, evaluation. They carry information about the image that they embody. They can also be called signs. For example, smoke is the natural sign of fire. To interpret them correctly, you must have some information.
- Iconic signs - such that represent images of things and phenomena that reflect. Otherwise, they can be called signs-images. They are often created artificially, purposefully giving them a characteristic shape. We see good examples of image signs in music: imitation of peals of thunder, birdsong, wind noise, etc. Only this display is not in form, but in another criterion - material.
- Functional signs are those that have a pragmatic function. Their signs are made by the fact that a person includes them in his activity. They can serve as a detail by which you can get information about the whole mechanism. The fact that a teacher opens a classroom journal is a sign of the upcoming survey of those present. Other, secondary meanings of functional signs are displayed in signs - a black cat that crossed the road - to trouble, a horseshoe brings happiness.
- Signals are intuitive: these are warning signs. We all know the meaning of the colors of a traffic light, for example.
- Conventional signs - artificial, created by people to refer to certain phenomena. With the subject of designation, they may not be at all similar. So, a red cross - means an ambulance, a zebra - a pedestrian crossing, etc.
- Verbal sign systems are spoken languages. We talked about language as a sign system separately. An example of a sign system of a language was given above.
- Symbols - compact signs indicating an object or phenomenon, having a second meaning. Their task is to highlight objects in a number of similar ones. Example: legend of a geographical map, state attributes - flag, coat of arms, anthem.
- Indexes - compact designations of objects and phenomena. Sometimes they also have a shape similar to the designation object.
Conclusion
In our article, we touched on a very broad topic: "What is a sign system", examples were also cited, as well as separately paid attention to the language. We considered the classification relevant to the current stage of development of semiotics.
Now you know what language is as a sign system, we also covered the functions of the language and the purpose of its use. In parallel, we considered the most general classification of language systems - they are artificial and natural. And they concluded that language is a sign system that serves to store, transmit and build information. We hope that the linguistic-semiotic topic was interesting to you too!