Language is a form of communication used in everyday life but also a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication of articulated sounds. According to the reading, the linguistic sign is arbitrary. It is powerless to defend itself against forces from one moment to the next when shifting relationships between the signified and the signifier. It plays a form of communication using patterns, conventions, and techniques that is used to give a line of designs. This can also contain color schemes, textures, layouts, etc.

A symbol is a sign linked to its object by virtue of conventions, agreements, or rules. Symbols are arbitrary and the meaning of symbols needs to be acquired. The orthography of languages or the writing system of languages is also symbols. Individually, symbols like alphabets and letters carry minimal or no meaning. It is a combination of a concept and a sound but it can generally designate only a sound-image. This is where the signifiers and signified take place. The bond between both is arbitrary, meaning that sign is to designate the whole and to replace concept and sound-image. The signifier being auditory is unfolded which represents a span and the span is measurable in a single dimension.

It was very interesting reading the 3 essays of signs and symbols because it went into depth on how it all started but not only in the real world but in the design world. How writing and numbers had been used in different techniques to communicate whether it was using sticks, beads, or the human body. Lastly, the archaic numbering systems show that it can give a better representation in many ways in the design process. Through different forms of language, there is a sign or symbol to indicate its meaning just like the 3 short essays where it’s explaining the background of symbols using the symbol or sign beside it.