Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Reading Signs #2: Language Barrier?

SIGNS 3

Assuming that you don't understand the words written underneath the sign, can you still make out what the sign means? If you do, then it is a good sign.

By definition, sign is a token that signifies an entity outside itself. There are two kinds of signs: natural and conventional. A natural sign bears a causal relationship between the signified and the signifier, e.g. the image of a lightning for the natural phenomenon of the same. A conventional sign, on the other hand, works on the basis of a convention or agreement made among its users, for example punctuation marks or the (traffic) stop sign. Furthermore, a sign may be both natural and conventional. The example for the this is the no smoking sign.

Sign is not the same as symbol, which is commonly defined as something that represents something else by resemblance, association, or convention. A symbol is usually a tangible representation of something abstract - flag as a symbol of a nation, for example. In this way, language (word) is considered as a symbol rather than a sign because the relationship between the signifier (i.e. the word) and the signified (i.e. the concept) is conventional.

What does the sign in the above photo signify? I'll let you tell, and see if it is a good sign without the words accompanying it.

I took the photograph in the same premises of the one I posted yesterday, i.e. Bandung Electronic Center (BEC).

7 comments:

Z said...

I'm not sure before so I'll ask, does Bahasa Indonesia use the Latin alphabet in all cases? Does the original script still survive as an academic subject?

Rambling Woods said...

I am guessing that it means that you should lock up your bike?

Virginia said...

No clue to your language. To me the sign signifies that I can or must lock up my motorcycle or bike. Do I get a prize Eki????:)

Layrayski said...

Lock your bikes?

Eki said...

Thanks for the comment Z. I'll reply in your blog.

Michelle, V, and Layrasyski,
The sign says, double lock your bike. Well, you almost got it correct. Thanks.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Without cheating having read your comments I would have to say that the bikes would be kept under lock and key. It had not occured to me double locked. Your analogy of sign and symbol was extremely thought provoking. I will see if I can find examples too. W all learn forn other bloggers.

Anonymous said...

Very interesting discussion. This will definitely give more meaning to my semiotics class :-)