Understanding Language: Definition, Communication, and Semiotics
Language Definition
Language is a system of rules and signs used to express meanings. Moreover, language is unique to human thought. A sign is something that represents something else, standing in its place. We can identify three types of signs, all of which have in common that they represent something else:
- Icon: This sign has a visual relationship with what it represents, such as a traffic signal.
- Indication: Between the sign and what it stands for, there is a causal link, such as seeing smoke on the highway and slowing down.
- Symbol: A pictorial symbol that has no formal or causal relationship with what it represents, such as stopping the vehicle when seeing a red light.
The set of a number of signs constitutes a language. Animals also have a kind of language.
Words and Concepts
Intelligence makes possible the formation of concepts. Moreover, thought can create signs and associate them with these concepts. Because of the uniqueness of human anatomy, our signs can be expressed orally or through written words.
Words are articulated phonetic symbols that represent a reality not directly connected with it. A concept is the mental representation of a thing. The word is its phonetic or written representation. All words comprise:
- Signifier: This is what is perceived when speaking or reading.
- Meaning: This is the reality referred to by the signifier.
In short, the word is a signifier that signifies an articulated concept.
Language and Communication
Sending letters is now uncommon, and only occurs on special occasions such as Christmas. Writing a letter simply to avoid a response would be absurd. One of the main functions of language is communication. To communicate is to transmit information for a purpose. Any communication involves an exchange of signs.
The Elements of Communication
For communication to be possible, besides the exchange of signs, these elements are needed:
- Transmitter and Receiver: The sender initiates the communication and creates the message, and the receiver is the recipient of the message.
- Channel: The medium used to transmit the message. There are natural and artificial channels that overcome barriers of time and space.
- Code: The set of signs and rules necessary for the correct combination of signs.
- Message: The product, i.e., the content, prepared by the sender to reach the receiver.
- Context: The set of circumstances that exist in the act of communication. The importance of context is crucial for a proper understanding of any communicative act.
The Semiotics
Semiotics is the science that aims to study signs. In conjunction with code, semiotics can be divided into two branches: syntax and semantics. Pragmatics handles the context.
- Syntax: Studies the proper relationship between signs, regardless of their meaning.
- Semantics: Studies the relationship of signs to the reality to which they relate, i.e., their meaning.
- Pragmatics: The part of semiotics aimed at the study of signs as extralinguistic factors that affect communication.
Thought and Language
The positions held on the relationship between thought and language are:
- “Thought is based on language and depends on it: it is easy to see that language allows it to flow and shapes and limits thought.”
- “Thought is language: a thesis that is more radical than the last. This thesis may seem easy to refute.” Language is a system of signs, and they do not have to be written or spoken.
- “Language is based on thought and depends on it: thought is an innate faculty but can be developed and refined. Language is not innate; rather, it is learned. Nobody is born knowing how to speak. Thought should be prior to language.”