Language is a system of communication . There are many forms of languages. Language is distinguished by other forms of communication by being somewhat arbitrary.  Language can be somewhat arbitrary because the relationship between “signified and signifier” are constantly being shifted. Symbols and icons are related to language because it is considered a signifier and visually one can associate with what is being communicated.

Signs, signifiers, and the signified are demonstrated in general communication and graphic communication as a concept and sound-image. Language has shaped design historically because with time there is change and the shift between signifier and signified is affected. 

Design can accomplish things that language cannot because design can be communicated visually and verbally without using the word of language. Language itself isn’t completely universal since its constantly being changed. The relationship between language and design in today’s culture is trying to communicate to people what they need to understand. With design its more of a communicative message and with language its more of a speech.