Question

Which term best describes the principle that a sign’s meaning depends on its contrasts with other signs?

• A. Arbitrariness
• B. Relational identity
• C. Semiotics
• D. Phonology

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Relational identity

The term that best describes the principle that a sign's meaning depends on its contrasts with other signs is "relational identity". 

• Semiotics concept:

  This idea is central to the field of semiotics, which studies how signs and symbols create meaning. 

• Saussure's theory:

  Ferdinand de Saussure, a key figure in semiotics, emphasized that a sign gains its meaning through its position within a system of other signs, where its value is defined by its differences from the others. 

Key points about relational identity:

• Contrast is key: A sign's meaning is not inherent but arises from how it is differentiated from other signs within a system. 

• Example: The word "big" only makes sense because we can contrast it with "small". 

• Systemic understanding: To fully understand the meaning of a sign, you need to consider its relationships with other signs in the same system.