SIGN = any form that has a meaning
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM = A SET OF SIGNS + RULES FOR USING THEM
FORM |
+
|
MEANING |
|
sound, shape,color, scent, movement, electric pulse,
etc.
|
function, usage, purpose, etc. |
FERDINAND DE SAUSSURE - Swiss Linguist of early 20th century. First to write about the dual nature of the sign
SIGNIFIER (FORM) + SIGNIFIED (MEANING)
SEMIOTICS -The scientific study of signs
TWO CLASSIFICATIONS OF SIGNS:
1. ACCORDING TO USE
NATURAL INDEX |
OR
|
NON-INDEX |
|
(can only point directly to its meaning)
|
(can also be used with DISPLACEMENT)
|
2. ACCORDING TO FORM
ICON |
OR
|
SYMBOL |
|
form physically resembles the meaning (onomatopoeia)
|
(arbitrary connection)
|
ONLY HUMAN LANGUAGE
IS COMPOSED MAINLY OF SYMBOLS