Linguistic Signs

Human Language consists of signs which are defined as things that stand for or represent something else.

Language in Terms of its Various Functions

1. Language gives expression to our thoughts.

2. Language is used to transmit information – communicative function.

3. Language is used to maintain social intercourse – “phatic” function.

4. Language provides the raw material for works of literature.

Very little language is iconic: Onomatopoeic words. Certain aspects of word order are iconic. Interaction can also sometimes be iconic.

Few aspects of language are indexical: demonstrative pronouns or adverbs.

Most language is symbolic. Linguistic sign and what it signifies is conventional or arbitrary.

Types Of Signs By C.S. Peirce

SYMBOLIC

Which are only conventionally related to the thing they represent. E.g.: a wedding ring to marriage, a flag to a nation.

INDEXICAL

Point to or have a necessary connection with the things they represent.  E.g.: Weathercock to the direction of the wind, smoke to fire.

ICONIC

Resemble the things they represent.  E.g.:  Photographs, star charts, diagrams.

The Rule-Governed Nature Of Language