The whole modern way of the world consists of many separate systems. If you have not thought about it yet, then just imagine: everything that we are used to reading, understanding and interpreting is all signs. Man came up with their special combinations to record, store and perceive information.
In order for there to be no countless number of symbols, like a variety of phenomena in this world, special structures were created. It is them that we are going to consider in this article, as well as give a vivid and understandable example of a sign system. This linguistic topic will be of interest not only to specialists. And let's start considering it sequentially so that all data is perceived easily and simply.
Definition
Before considering any example of a sign system in detail, we consider it necessary to understand what this phenomenon is.
So, a sign system is a certain set of basically the same type of signs, which has an internal structure and, to some extent, explicit laws for the formation, interpretation and use of its elements. Its main task is to provide full-fledged collectiveand individual communication processes.
At the same time, it is worth remembering what, in fact, a sign is - a material object that becomes a substitute (embodiment) of another object, phenomenon, property. It fixes, stores and perceives information (which we also call knowledge).
Types of sign systems
Theoretical studies of semiotics have classified the functioning structures of data transmission that exist today as follows:
- natural;
- verbal;
- functional;
- iconic;
- conventional;
- recording systems.
We will touch on these types in more detail after we consider the next question - what is a language as a sign system. For now, let's dwell on the criteria on the basis of which they stand out.
Signs
We already know what a sign system is, but we only got acquainted with the definition of the term in an abstract way. As a very broad category, it does not include all the elements called signs. So, what are the signs that allow her to be one?
- Firstly, at least two characters must be combined in any system.
- Secondly, the elements must be systematized according to a certain principle.
- Third, the appearance of new elements can only be carried out according to a well-defined principle.
Studying signs and sign systems
Semiotics is a separate science dealing with issues of sign structures. In essence, it is a borderline discipline between linguistics, information theory, sociology, literature, psychology, biology.
Study 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 patterns of their combination and formation.
- Semantics. Studying the meaning, in other words, considering the relationship between the sign and its meaning.
- Pragmatics. Explores the relationship between the system and the entities using it.
One of the separate 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. As a rule, this applies to texts. It is noteworthy that the text of culture in the concept of this science is any carrier of information.
Language as a system of signs in semiotics
We all deal with language every day. Perhaps we have not thought about this before, but statements that are formed from words, syllables and letters (sounds in oral speech) are all a system. Semiotics gives it its exhaustive interpretation.
Language is a symbolic formation that serves to store the transmission and increase of information, which has a physical nature. Its functions are communication and obtaining information in the process of diverse human activity.
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 generalized criterion - are divided into natural and artificial. Let's continue to delve into the topic of what the sign system of the language is.
Semiotics about language
As you can see, language is the closest example of a sign structure for 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 a means of shaping human thoughts, emotions, a way of expressing will, 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 of limited type and quantity or recode it.
The sphere of language use is also special in comparison with specialized formations. It affects absolutely all areas of scientific and practical activity. Specialized sign structures, on the contrary, are narrowly focused.
Language is formed, develops in the process of use, obeying internal patterns and external influences. Special sign systems are the result of a one-time agreement between people and are absolutely artificial.
Natural and artificial languages
Functions of the language in comparison with other systems are much broader. We also mentioned that the main criterion for separating languages classifies them into artificial and natural. NowLet's take a closer look at these two types of languages.
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 guess, let's say that they are purposefully created human 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 the features of artificial languages to be interesting. Their classification provides for such subspecies as:
- planned languages - ways of international communication; have an auxiliary function; such is the well-known Esperanto, in 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 studies the emergence, structure and functioning of various systems that store and transmit information. Semiotics studies natural and artificial languages, as well as the general principles that form the basis of the structure of all signs.
Scienceconsiders language in a broad sense, that is, it covers both natural and artificial. Natural systems are considered to be primary modeling systems. The languages of culture are secondary, because through them a person socializes informationally, perceives knowledge and influences the world around.
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 giving examples more specifically. Thus, 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 ones: in a certain field of activity, for the exchange of specific information. Such sign systems are deliberately studied, some of them are available only in certain social groups. For comparison, let's remember that natural language is a common property.
Typology, features, examples
Earlier in our article, we considered various issues related to a given topic - a sign system, examples of it, categories of definition. Now let's touch on their types in more detail, giving examples for clarity. They will apply to more than just languages.
- Natural signs are natural phenomena, certain things that can point us to other phenomena, objects, assessment. They carryinformation about the image they embody. They can also be called signs. For example, the natural sign of fire would be smoke. To interpret them correctly, you need to have some information.
- Iconic signs - those that represent images of things and phenomena that display. Otherwise, they can be called signs-images. They are often created artificially, purposefully giving them a characteristic shape. We see good examples of signs-images in music: imitation of thunder, birdsong, wind noise, etc. Only this is already a reflection not in form, but in another criterion - material.
- Functional signs are those that have a pragmatic function. What makes them signs is that a person includes them in his activity. They can serve as a detail by which you can get information about the entire mechanism. The fact that the teacher opens the class journal is a sign of the upcoming survey of those present. Other, secondary meanings of functional signs are displayed in signs - a black cat running across the road - to trouble, a horseshoe brings happiness.
- Signal signs are intuitive: they are warning signs. We all know the meaning of traffic light colors well, for example.
- Conventional signs are artificial, created by people to denote certain phenomena. With the subject of designation, they may not be at all similar. So, a red cross means an ambulance, a zebra means a pedestrian crossing, etc.
- Verbal sign systems are spoken languages. About language as a sign systemspoke separately. We gave an example of the sign system of the language above.
- Symbols - pointing to an object or phenomenon compact signs that have 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.
- Indices - 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", we also gave examples, and also paid special attention to the language. We considered the classification relevant to the modern stage of development of semiotics.
Now you know what a 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 increase information. We hope that the linguistic-semiotic topic was interesting for you too!
