The main types of sign systems. Example of the sign language system

The whole 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. The person came up with their special associations to record, store and perceive information.

To ensure that the symbols were not numerous, as diverse phenomena in this world, special structures were created. We are going to consider them in this article, as well as to give a clear and understandable example of the sign system. This linguistic theme will be of interest not only to specialists. And we will start to consider it consistently, 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 kind of phenomenon it is.

So, the sign system is a certain set of basically same-type 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 communication processes.

It is worth remembering and what is, in fact, a sign - a material object that becomes a substitute (embodiment) of another object, phenomenon, property. It records, stores and perceives information (which we call knowledge).

Types of sign systems

Theoretical studies of semiotics classified the existing functioning data transmission structures as follows:

- natural;

- verbal;

- functional;

- iconic;

- conventional;

- Recording systems.

We will discuss these types in more detail after we consider the following question: what is language as a sign system. For now, let us dwell on the criteria on which they stand out.

Symptoms

We already know what a sign system is, but we have only become acquainted with the definition of the term. As a very extensive category, it includes not all the elements called signs. So, what signs allow it to be so?

• First, in any system, at least two signs must be unified.
• Secondly, the elements should be systematized according to a certain principle.
• Thirdly, the appearance of new elements can be carried out only on a clearly defined principle.

The study of signs and sign systems

The separate science - semiotics - deals with the issues of iconic structures. In essence, it is a boundary discipline between linguistics, information theory, sociology, literature, psychology, biology.

The 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 relationships between their elements, the patterns of their combination and formation.
• Semantics. He studies the meaning, in other words, considers the relationship between the sign and its meaning.
• Pragmatics. Studying the relationship between the system and the actors 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. Typically, this refers 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 are all dealing with language everyday. Perhaps we have not thought about it before, but the statements formed from words, syllables and letters (sounds in speech) are all a system. Semiotics gives it its full interpretation.

Language - a symbolic formation that serves to store the transfer and building up of information, having 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 generalized criterion - are divided into natural and artificial. Let's continue to delve into the topic of what is the sign language system.

Semiotics about language

As we see, language is the closest example of a sign structure for us. Moreover, 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, the method of expression of will, that is, the range of functions performed is extremely wide.

At the same time, for comparison: specialized sign systems (by the way, usually they are artificial) transmit only limited in type and amount of information or perform its recoding.

A special area of use of the language in comparison with specialized formations. It affects absolutely all areas of scientific and practical activity. Specialized same sign structures, on the contrary, are narrowly focused.

Language is formed, develops in the process of use, obeying internal laws and external influences. Special sign systems are the result of a one-time agreement of people, are absolutely artificial.

Natural and artificial languages

The functions of the language are much broader than the rest of the systems. We also mentioned that the main criterion for the separation of languages classifies them as artificial and natural. Now consider these two types of languages a little more.

So, the natural language is the one that appeared with the person. Its development occurs naturally, a person does not produce conscious action on it.

About artificial languages, as one might guess, 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.

On the question of artificial languages

We have already learned enough about the topic: "Language as a sign system." We consider the features of artificial languages to be interesting. Their classification provides such subspecies as:

- Planned languages - ways of international communication; Carry an auxiliary function; Such is the famous Esperanto, to which in the last century a lively interest arose;

- 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 origin, 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, covers both natural and artificial. Natural are considered to be primary modeling systems. Secondary are the languages of culture, because through them a person socializes information, perceives knowledge and influences 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 worthwhile to name examples more specifically. Thus, patterns 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 they are used as artificial ones: in a certain field of activity, for the exchange of specific information. Such sign systems are being studied intentionally, some of them are only available in certain social groups. For comparison, let us recall that a natural language is a common human property.

Typology, features, examples

Earlier in this article, we considered various issues related to a given topic - a sign system, examples of it, categories of definition. Now we will touch on the details of their types, giving examples for clarity. They will not only apply to languages.

- Natural signs - the phenomena of nature, certain things that can point us to other phenomena, objects, evaluation. They carry information about the image they embody. They can also be called signs. For example, smoke is a natural sign of fire. To properly interpret them, you need to have some information.

- Iconic signs - such that represent images of things and phenomena that display. Otherwise, they can be called signs. They are often created artificially, purposefully giving them a characteristic shape. Good examples of signs-images can be seen in music: imitation of thunder rolls, birds singing, wind noise, etc. Only this is a display not in form, but in another criterion - material.

- Functional signs - those that have a pragmatic function. Signs of them do what a person includes them in their activities. They can serve as a detail on which you can get information about the entire mechanism. The fact that the teacher opens a 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.

- Signs are intuitively clear: these are warning signs. We all know the meaning of traffic light colors, for example.

- Conventional signs are artificial, created by people to designate certain phenomena. With the object of designation, they may not be at all alike. So, the red cross - denotes an ambulance, a zebra - pedestrian crossing, etc.

- Verbal sign systems are spoken languages. We spoke separately of the language as a sign system. We cited an example of the sign language system above.

- Symbols are compact signs indicating an object or phenomenon and having a second meaning. Their task is to distinguish objects in a number of similar ones. Example: a legend of a geographical map, state attributes - a flag, a coat of arms, an anthem.

- Indices are compact notations of objects and phenomena. Sometimes they also have a similar designation to the object.

Conclusion

In this article we have touched upon a very broad topic: "What is a sign system," examples also resulted, and also paid special attention to the language. The classification we considered relevant to the modern stage of the development of semiotics.

Now you know what language is like a sign system, the functions of language and the purpose of its use, we also covered. 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 theme was interesting to you too!