A sign system is a key concept in
semiotics
Semiotics ( ) is the systematic study of sign processes and the communication of meaning. In semiotics, a sign is defined as anything that communicates intentional and unintentional meaning or feelings to the sign's interpreter.
Semiosis is a ...
and is used to refer to any system of
signs and relations between signs.
The term ''
language
Language is a structured system of communication that consists of grammar and vocabulary. It is the primary means by which humans convey meaning, both in spoken and signed language, signed forms, and may also be conveyed through writing syste ...
'' is frequently used as a synonym for a sign-system. However, the term ''sign-system'' is considered preferable to the term ''language'' for a number of reasons. First, the use of the term ''language'' tends to carry with it
connotations of human language, particularly human spoken language. Human spoken language is only one example of a sign-system, albeit probably one of the most complex sign-systems known. In traditional forms of face-to-face communication, humans communicate through
non-verbal as well as verbal sign-systems; colloquially, this can be referred to as
body language
Body language is a type of nonverbal communication in which physical behaviors, as opposed to words, are used to express or convey information. Such behavior includes facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch and the use o ...
. Hence, humans communicate a great deal by way of facial movements and other forms of bodily expression. Such expressions are also signs and an organised collection of such signs would be considered a sign system.
Tone of voice in spoken communication, conveys meaning. Depending on tone, a phrase can have several meanings; e.g. "you like that" can mean the speaker believes the listener likes something, or it can be a question, or it can convey disbelief.
Traffic signs,
art, and
fashion are all examples of sign systems.
Second, the same concept of a sign-system can be used in considering a vast range of communication forms such as
animal communication
Animal communication is the transfer of information from one or a group of animals (sender or senders) to one or more other animals (receiver or receivers) that affects the current or future behavior of the receivers. Information may be sent int ...
,
man-machine communication,
machine to machine
Machine to machine (M2M) is direct communication between devices using any communications channel, including wired communication, wired and wireless.
Machine to machine communication can include industrial instrumentation, enabling a sensor or met ...
communication, and
disease symptoms. Examination of simpler forms of such systems of signs within non-human communication can help to illuminate some of the essence of
communication
Communication is commonly defined as the transmission of information. Its precise definition is disputed and there are disagreements about whether Intention, unintentional or failed transmissions are included and whether communication not onl ...
and in particular can help to provide tentative answers to the question of the nature and function of communication.
See also
*
Sign (disambiguation)
*
Semiotics
Semiotics ( ) is the systematic study of sign processes and the communication of meaning. In semiotics, a sign is defined as anything that communicates intentional and unintentional meaning or feelings to the sign's interpreter.
Semiosis is a ...
*
Sign Systems Studies
''Sign Systems Studies'' is a peer-reviewed academic journal on semiotics edited at the Department of Semiotics of the University of Tartu and published by the University of Tartu Press. It is the oldest periodical in the field. It was initially ...
(journal)
*
Communication
Communication is commonly defined as the transmission of information. Its precise definition is disputed and there are disagreements about whether Intention, unintentional or failed transmissions are included and whether communication not onl ...
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sign System
Semiotics
Information science