1. Ferdinard de Saussure
Ferdinard de Saussure is a Swiss Linguist who came up with
the theory of signs:
Signifier – The form which the sign takes place
Signified – The concept it represents
However, this theory lacks idea of interpretation and is a learnt process.
Charles Sanders Peirce
A philosopher named Charles Sanders Peirce has developed and
adapted Saussure’s theory of signs. Peirce explains that a sign may be
classified as either an ‘icon,’ an ‘index,’ or a ‘symbol,’ according to its
relation with its 'dynamical object.'
An ‘icon’ (such as a picture, image, model, or diagram) is a
sign which itself demonstrates the qualities of its 'dynamical
object.'
For example: has to look like the meaning it is attached too
Jesus - Jesus
An ‘index’ (such as a clock, thermometer, fuel gauge, or
medical symptom) is a sign which demonstrates the influence
of its 'dynamical object.'
For example: directly connected to the signify but can be
inferred
Fire, a thermometre
A ‘symbol’ (such as a trophy, medal, receipt, diploma,
monument, word, phrase, or sentence) is a sign which is
interpreted to be a reference to its 'dynamical object.'
For example: relationship must be learnt
A flag