What sign systems can you name. The general concept of a sign and a sign system. On the question of artificial languages

The entire 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. sign system. This linguistic theme will be of interest not only to specialists. And we will begin to consider it sequentially so that all the 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, a sign system is a kind of collection 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 collective and 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 are already a sign system, but we have only got acquainted abstractly with the definition of the term. As a very broad category, it does not include all the elements called signs. So, what signs allow it to be such?

First, in any system, at least two characters must be combined.
Secondly, the elements must be systematized according to a certain principle.
Thirdly, the emergence of new elements can be carried out only according to a clearly 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, sociology, literature, psychology, and biology.

The study in semiotics is carried out in three main directions, which are designated as branches 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. 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 subjects using it.

One of the separate aspects of the study - 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 formed from words, syllables and letters (sounds in oral speech) are all a system. Semiotics gives it its exhaustive interpretation.

Language is a sign formation that serves to store the transmission and build-up of information that has a physical nature. Its functions are communication and obtaining information in the process of diverse human activity.

In turn, within the framework of the language, different sign codes are used, for example, transcription, sign language, shorthand, 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 a language is.

Semiotics about language

As we 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 the design of 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 limited in 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.

The 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, they 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 separating languages classifies them into artificial and natural. Now let's look at these two types of languages in a little more detail.

So, natural language is the one that appeared along 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 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 in the consideration of the topic: "Language as a sign system". We consider the features of artificial languages to be interesting. Their classification includes such subspecies as:

Planned languages are 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;

Human-machine communication languages - 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.

Science considers 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 him.

Secondary modeling systems are otherwise called cultural codes. - cultural code: cultural texts, with the exception of natural language. To understand these phenomena, it is worth giving examples more specifically. So, models of behavior, religious texts, beliefs, rituals, units (objects, works) of art - all these are 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 us recall that natural language is a universal 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 not only to languages.

Natural signs are natural phenomena, certain things that can point us to other phenomena, objects, assessment. They carry information about the image they embody. They can also be called signs. For example, the natural sign of fire would be smoke. To correctly interpret them, you need to have some information.

Such that are 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. good examples we see 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. What the teacher reveals cool magazine, 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.

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, the red cross means ambulance, zebra - pedestrian crossing, etc.

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

Symbols are compact signs pointing to an object or phenomenon, which also have a second meaning. Their task is to highlight objects in a number of similar ones. Example: legend geographical map, state attributes - flag, coat of arms, anthem.

Indices are 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 current classification modern stage development of semiotics.

Now you know what a language is like as a sign system, we also covered the functions of the language and the purposes of its use. In parallel, we considered the most general classification - 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!

Sign systems have been formed throughout the history of mankind. This was necessary not only so that the accumulated buildings could be passed down from generation to generation - according to many anthropologists, the science of signs originally originated as a means of communication between people.

What is semiotics?

Semiotics is a branch of knowledge that studies signs and sign systems. It arose at the intersection of several disciplines - psychology, biology, cybernetics, literature, as well as sociology. Semiotics is divided into three broad areas of knowledge. Syntactics, semantics, pragmatics. Syntactics studies the laws according to which various types of sign systems are arranged, the ways of arrangement, with the help of which various elements of a language are correlated. The subject of study of semantics is the meaning - the relationship between the sign itself and its meaning. Pragmatics studies the relationship between the user of language and the sign system itself. A sign is a certain material object (as well as an event or phenomenon) that is objectively used to replace another object, its properties or the relationship between objects.

Secondary simulation systems

In addition to the main classes of sign systems, there are also secondary modeling systems. Otherwise they are called "codes of culture". This category includes all types cultural texts(excluding natural language), social activities, various behaviors, traditions, myths, religious beliefs. Cultural codes are formed in the same way as natural language. They function on the principle of agreement between members of society. Agreements, or codes, are known to every member of the group.

Development of the psyche and mastery of the sign system

Mastery various types sign systems is also a critical factor for the development of higher mental functions. Semiotic systems allow an individual to master social culture, historically established acceptable ways of behavior, and social experience. At the same time, self-awareness develops. Starting with elementary sensations, over time it is formed into a number of skills of self-perception, making a certain opinion about oneself, personal logic.

Encoding and decoding information

In psychology, various examples of sign systems are most often studied in the context of their correlation with cognitive processes. Much attention is paid to neurophysiological features. But often speech as a way of transmitting information, exchanging knowledge is left aside by scientists. Until now, the process of coding with the help of sign systems of visual images is a mystery for researchers. The mental image is encoded in the speaker's brain into words. In the brain of the listener, it is decoded. The transformations that take place in this case remain unexplored.

Language sign systems: examples

Currently, linguistics is a dynamically developing branch of knowledge. The linguistic method is used in many sciences - for example, in ethnography and psychoanalysis. There are six types of sign systems in total. These are natural systems, iconic, conventional, recording systems, verbal systems. Let's look at each type in more detail.

Iconic systems

Examples of iconic sign systems are architecture, ballet, music, non-verbal form of communication. They usually have a fairly strong emotional saturation, are full of figurative components that are part of the sign. Study of various examples sign systems shows: a scientist must not only use objective methods, but also independently model various examples of emotions, communicative situations.

natural signs

These signs are found in nature and in Everyday life. Usually these are certain things or natural phenomena that point to other objects. Otherwise, they are also called signs-signs. An example of sign systems related to natural ones can be signs about the weather, traces of animals. A classic illustration of this semiotic system is the sign of smoke, which indicates a fire.

Functional signs

This type of signs also applies to signs-signs. However, unlike natural ones, the connection of a functional sign with the object that it designates is due to a certain function, the activity of people. For example, a home interior within the framework of semiotics is a text that indicates the level of well-being of the owners of the house. A set of books on a bookshelf provides the viewer with information about the tastes of the owner of the library, the level of his mental and moral development. Also, actions can often act as a functional sign. For example, a classroom teacher runs his finger over a list of students in a journal. This action is also a functional sign - it means that someone will be called to the board soon.

Convention signs

This example of a sign system is otherwise called conditional. The name "conventional" comes from the Latin conventionio - "agreement". Conventional signs serve to designate objects and phenomena of the surrounding world "by condition". They themselves, as a rule, have very little in common with what they stand for. Examples of sign systems related to conventional ones: traffic signal, indices, cartographic signs, symbols (coats of arms, emblems).

Verbal (speech) sign systems

All human languages belong to this category. Each language has a historical basis (the so-called "semiotic basis"). The main feature of human languages is that each of them is a polystructural and multilevel system. This system is capable of almost unlimited development. The sign system of speech is the richest means for storing, processing and further transmitting information.

Sign systems

This semiotic category includes sign systems that arise on the basis of previous groups - verbal, dance, music. Sign systems of notation are secondary to these groups. They arose with the advent of writing. Without recording systems, human cognitive evolution would be impossible.

Semiotic experiences in history

The ancient Greek scientist Plato divided all sounds into the categories of fast, huge, thin and rounded. M. V. Lomonosov was of the opinion that the frequent repetition of the letter “A” in written or oral speech contributes to the image of grandeur, depth and height. The letters "E" and "U" help to depict affection, small objects, tenderness. These views were expressed in his work Quick Guide to eloquence.

Researcher I. N. Gorelov conducted a curious experiment. The subjects were asked to characterize the fantastic animals named "mamlyna" and "zhavaruga". All of the participants in the experiment considered the “mamlyna” to be a kind, meek and rounded creature. "Zhavaruga" was categorized as wild, prickly and evil.

Volapuk language

There are a huge number of languages on the planet, and there are many dead languages - those that have gone out of use. Despite this, there are still those who enthusiastically invent new ones. Examples of artificial sign systems are known language Esperanto, Volapuk that preceded it, Universalglot, Catholic lingua, Solresol, and many others. One of the most complex is Ithkuil, created on the basis of ancient symbols. Artificial languages were created by personalities engaged in different areas. These were not always those who worked in the professions of the sign system.

One of the strangest artificial languages is Volapuk. The idea for his invention first came up with a German priest named Martin Schleyer. The clergyman claimed that the idea of creating an artificial language was proposed to him by the Lord himself in a dream. The purpose of creating Volapuk was to simplify communication - Schleyer tried to create a simple and universal language. He took European languages as a basis - Latin, English and German. The priest tried to create words from just one syllable.

At first, the public showed little interest in this artificial language. However, a community was soon formed and began spreading the word about the new language. As a result, at the peak of its popularity, it had more than a hundred thousand speakers.

The Volapuk language seemed rather strange to many Europeans. The roots of words from different European dialects contained in it made it recognizable, but quite funny. Until today, the word "volapyuk" means nonsense, gibberish. Despite this, Volapük was popular until the time when the Nazis came to power in Germany.

Esperanto and other languages

However, when people talk about artificial languages, the first thing they think of is a language called Esperanto. It was created in late XIX century and flourishes to the present day - its carriers are hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

Esperanto has gained popularity not by chance - it is a very simple language, which contains only 16 grammar rules. It is noteworthy that they do not have a single exception. Esperanto words contain roots from various European languages, as well as Slavic ones. It is especially clear to the Americans.

Over time, in order for the phrase "artificial languages" not to have a negative connotation, they began to be called "planned". Directly the status of languages is received only by those that have a sufficient number of speakers. If only its creator and a couple of friends speak an artificial language, then it is called a "linguo project".

By the way, Esperanto, despite its widespread use, was not the first of the planned languages. The first was created by an abbess named Hildegard of Bingen. It was called Lingua Ignota ("unknown speech"). The abbess claimed that he was sent down to her from heaven. This language had its own script and vocabulary, in which thousands of concepts were deciphered. Artificial languages were also created in the countries of the East. For example, "bala-ibalan". It was invented by Sheikh Muhieddin, using Persian, Arabic and Turkish as the basis.

Binary system

Most artificial languages were created on the basis of existing ones, so the binary sign system using numbers does not apply to the means of communication. In it, as you know, information is recorded using two numbers - 0 and 1. Once there were computers with a more complex system - ternary. But binary is the most convenient for digital technology. In the binary sign system, 1 and 0 denote the presence or absence of a signal.

Solresol: an unusual idea of a musician

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the musician François Sudr from France shared an unusual idea with the public: he invented an artificial language called solresol. His words, of which there were more than two and a half thousand, were recorded using notes. It's hard to believe, but the idea, which at first was just a musical intellectual game became popular. Solresol language gained fame among contemporaries, because notes are international symbols.

SIGN SYSTEM

set of characters (mostly the same type), which has an internal structure, explicit (formalized) or implicit rules for the formation, comprehension and use of its elements and serving for the implementation of individual and collective communicative and translational processes.

In the sciences of culture, ZS, as a rule, is identified with the language of culture, expresses the means to which it is. But, unlike the language of culture, heuristic the meaning of the concept of Z.s. is revealed in the emphasis on concret. the subject form of the implementation of the language, the concentration is researched. attention to the formal, morphological. and syntax. representation of language means.

Classification Z.s. carried out according to the types of their constituent signs (verbal, gestural, graphic, iconic, figurative, formalized); the basis for classification can also serve as specific. features of their syntax, semantics or pragmatics.

Zs, along with non-systemic signs, are the subject of study in semiotics. Characteristic Z.s. is an important component of the semiotic characteristics. culture and culture (subcultures) generally.

See what the "SIGN SYSTEM" is in other dictionaries:

This is a system of uniformly interpreted and interpreted messages / signals that can be exchanged in the process of communication. Sometimes sign systems help to structure the process of communication in order to give it some adequacy in terms of its reactions ... Wikipedia

A set of conventional signs and rules for their relationship. In English: System of signs See also: Sign systems Signs Financial Dictionary Finam ... Financial vocabulary

English system of signs; German Zeichensystem. A set of conventional signs and rules for their relationship. Antinazi. Encyclopedia of Sociology, 2009 ... Encyclopedia of Sociology

sign system- a system of signs that functions as a means of communication, transmission and reception of information. Heading: literature and science Part: sign Other associative links: information Example: natural language traffic light signs sign language ... Literature and ... ... Terminological dictionary-thesaurus on literary criticism

sign system Terms and concepts of linguistics: Vocabulary. Lexicology. Phraseology. Lexicography

sign system- Correlation of the mark with other marks, subject to the comparability of the marks ...

SIGN SYSTEM- English. system of signs; German Zeichensystem. A set of conventional signs and rules for their relationship ... Dictionary in sociology

sign system- a set of signs that has an internal structure, explicit (formalized) or implicit rules for the formation, comprehension and use of its elements, used to implement individual and group communicative, translational ... Sociological Dictionary Socium

sign system- The binary representation of the integer, where the distance from the origin is expressed as a positive number, and the direction from the origin (positive or negative) is expressed with a single single sign bit (ITU-T T.800).

An analysis of the same plan can be carried out in the phylogenetic aspect. All this multifaceted analysis leads us to the conclusion that sign systems realized the development potential inherent in man. Man had to understand and use environment and their own intellectual abilities. He did this with the help of sign systems. The hierarchy of sign systems reflects the cultural development of mankind: without mastering the previous stage, it was impossible to climb to the next one, and having climbed to the next stage, a person could use the previous one in a new way... I tried to show that at certain points in the development of the previous type of systems, the beginnings of a new one already arose; from that moment, the parallel development of both the old and the emerging new system began. […]

Each type of system has its own basic sign:

Natural (natural) systems correspond to a sign in the form of a material real object or phenomenon;
- figurative systems correspond to the image;
- language systems - the word;
— for notation systems, a letter or other similar symbol;
- code systems - a symbol.

I also tried to differentiate terms that would mean how each type of sign reflects reality:

Natural sign - indicates;
- image - reflects;
- word - describes;
- letter - fixes;
- character - encodes.

The signs built in this hierarchy clearly differ from each other in the degree of their proximity to the signified and, consequently, in the degree of their abstractness. I deduced a pattern that constantly helped with concrete analysis systems: the more “separated”, “detached” the sign is from the signified, the more it is “attached” to the system and depends on it. In more abstract signs, there is a natural tendency to greater formalization of the systems of these signs, and vice versa. Formalization is expressed in many characteristics of systems, such as the presence in them of metalanguages, recording systems, the ratio of different logics in them, etc.

The dual belonging of a semiotic sign - its connection with the signified and its belonging to a certain sign system and dependence on it - from our point of view, is the most important characteristic of the sign.

The regularity formulated above reflects the dependence between the person, the code and the extra-code reality. There is, however, another side of the issue. In our scheme (man - reality - tools of man) there are not two, but three elements, each encoding of reality is carried out through our brain. What happens in the brain during our direct encounter with reality, we still do not know. We only know how our perceptions pour out through code systems. There is no doubt that the forms of reflection of reality in various signs have a reverse effect on the functioning of the brain, and our thinking itself can be studied from them. In the same signs of the same type, a different mental potential or, as I called it, a different quantum charge is found.

This is nothing more than a statement of fact, since I cannot make practical applications from this conclusion, as I do from the first sign regularity. But this conclusion goes in line with the ingenious hypothesis Condillaca and de Saussure, who long ago stated that our thinking seems to be syncretic, while language (and I add other sign systems) are discrete.

We, as a species, simply have no other physiological capabilities than those that give discrete signals. However, these signals have a different "mental" charge. When I built a continuum for signs of figurative systems, this was clearly felt. Natural objects as images - "icons" - conventional images (of varying degrees conventional) affect us in different ways. Apparently, it is only on this type of systems that our hypothesis can be tested, because figurative systems strongly influence not only the ratio, but also emotional sphere. From sign to sign in these systems, its "emotional charge" increases and its semiotic potential changes. Obviously, this problem requires serious refinement and experimental confirmation.

Abram Solomonik, Philosophy of sign systems and language, Minsk, MET, 2002, p. 131-133.