Semiotics, a subfield of linguistics, involves the study of signs and symbols. Signs can be categorized into three main groups: iconic signs, indexical signs, and symbolic signs. The main distinction between iconic and symbolic signs lies in how meaning is associated with these signs.
Key Takeaways
- An iconic sign bears a physical resemblance to its meaning or concept.
- A symbolic sign has no resemblance to the material form and the mental concept associated with it.
- The relationship between the signifier and the signified in symbolic signs have to be learned through conventions of language and culture.
What is an Iconic Sign?
An iconic sign, also known as an icon, is the simplest of the three classifications of signs, where the signifier resembles what it stands for. Examples of iconic signs include statues, portraits, drawings, cartoons, and sound effects, all of which bear a strong resemblance to the things they represent.
What is a Symbolic Sign?
A symbolic sign, also known as a symbol, has an arbitrary relationship between the signifier and the signified. The connection between them is culturally learned since it stems from the conventions of language. Examples of symbolic signs include letters of the alphabet, numbers, religious symbols, and famous trademarks.
What is the difference between Iconic and Symbolic Signs?
The key difference between iconic and symbolic signs is the relationship between the signifier and the signified. In iconic signs, the signifier bears a strong resemblance to the signified. In contrast, in symbolic signs, there is no inherent relation between the two.
