Language as a universal sign system

Semiotics is very important for linguistics. A sign theory of the language (linguosemiotics) allows to see the most significant peculiarities of the language either in substantial matter or in the structure of the language. Guided by the typology of sign systems linguosemiotics defines the place of the language among natural and social semiotics.

Linguosemiotics is the science about a communicative function of the language. The main point of this function is that the language is the means of conveying a speaker’s thoughts and feelings to a listener. This function is realized due to the sign nature of the language. Linguosemiotics occupies an intermediate position between inner linguistics and semiotics. Hence its name consists of two roots.

The main aim of linguosemiotics is the exposure of a sign nature of the language. Due to this language is characterized as a special system of signs.

The subject matter of linguosemiotics is the structure and peculiarities of the language and rules of their combination. The object of the science is language signs that form language semiotics.

One can easily make certain that language is one of the sign systems taking into consideration the fact that any sign of another semiotic system may be conveyed by a word or any other language expression.

Language has some specific peculiarities that distinguish it from other sign systems. One of them is that people use it as the universal means of communication applied practically in all the spheres and types of human activity while the other communicative means are limited and serve only some sides of human life.

A sign theory of the language is not alternative to other conceptions. It has its own niche in the knowledge about the language – it studies the qualities of the language that occur while comparing the language with other semiotics and that are priority for the language ontology. That is why semiotics does not compete with other linguistic concepts but coexists with them.

Kryzhanivska O.

(Vinnytsia)

Positive thinking rules the masses

There is hardly a man who doesn’t know the question about half-empty or half-full glass. The answer in this case shows the attitude of the speaker toward images that appear in his mind, either positive or negative, to face the reality. The idea of ‘positive thinking’ has much to do not only with psychology as a science of the humanities, but it also reflects specific features of nation and mentality, it influences people, being the objects of perception the information as well as the sender of the message.

Speaking about informative-regulatory vocabulary as the reflection of requests and demands to follow somebody’s directions and to abide rules and norms, one should observe the usage of their forms of addresses. Analyzing the huge amount of calls, appeals, slogans, catchwords, requests, warnings and notices in the public places in the USA on the basis of written information it is obviously to remark that the idea of ‘positive thinking’ pierces each item.

The power of ‘positive thinking’ as well as the sense of humor in the informative-regulatory vocabulary does work to regulate public behavior. According to the research polite requests instead of strict demands are used three times more frequently, there are more “please” and “thank you” then other words in the addresses. Americans got used to avoiding negative forms in writing together with gloomy faces in oral. To illustrate positive attitude toward the situation on the road we can produce the nice examples of behavior regulations – “Drive Safely”, “Avoid Accidents”, “Safety First”, “Think! Safety Is No Accident!”, “Working Safely Prevents Accidents”, “Be Careful!”, “Welcome To Accident!” (a large notice-board before the frequent place of accidents for drivers to slow down), “Reserved For Drunk Drivers” (white painted lines on the road that end on the pavement with a tree).

Optimistic spirit and benevolent attitude toward people that is what rules the masses in the United States. At every step one may see what he can do and should do, and that somebody believes in him.

Kwasnytsia K.V

(Vinnytsia)